Analyzing the relationship between study time and

academic performance

Stage 1
Problem identification

The relationship between study time and academic performance is a crucial aspect of educational
research. Students often struggle to balance study time with other activities, leading to suboptimal
academic performance. This project aims to investigate the correlation between study time and
academic performance. By understanding this relationship, we can identify potential areas for
improvement and inform strategies to enhance academic performance. The problem this project
seeks to address is the lack of clear understanding of how study time impacts academic
performance, and how students can optimize their study time to achieve better grades.

Initial solution statement

To address the problem of understanding the relationship between study time and academic
performance, this project proposes to apply mathematical models, such as correlation analysis and
regression modeling, to identify the relationship between these two variables. By analyzing data on
study time and corresponding academic grades, we can determine the strength and nature of this
relationship. This will enable us to develop targeted strategies for optimizing study time and
improving academic performance. The solution involves collecting and analyzing data, identifying
patterns and trends, and using the insights gained to inform recommendations for students,
educators and policymakers.

Define main idea

The main idea of this project is to analyze the relationship between study time and academic
performance, exploring how the amount of time spent studying impacts students’ grades and
identifying potential strategies for optimizing study time to achieve better academic outcomes.

Design specifications

1. Data collection : Gather data on study time and corresponding academic grades from a
sample of students.
2. Data analysis : Apply statistical methods to analyze the relationship between study time and
academic performance
3. Insight generation : identify patterns, trends and insights from the data analysis to inform
recommendations
4. Recommendations : develop targeted strategies for optimizing study time and improving
academic performance based on the research findings
5. Reporting : present the research findings and recommendations in a clear and concise
manner
Stage 2

Research existing solutions

1. Prioritizing task: creating a comprehensive to do list and structuring it to establish an

efficient workflow. Using a color coding system can add clarity and help categorize tasks
based on urgency, subject or type.

Strength: helps manage time efficiently reduces stress and increases productivity

Weaknesses: can be challenging to prioritize task accurately, especially for complex projects

2. Taking breaks: giving yourself time to disconnect and recharge. The 20-20-20 rule can rule
can help alleviate eye strain and provide momentary relaxation.

Strength: recharges mental energy, reduces eye strain and improves focus

Weaknesses: can be difficult to determine optimal break frequency and duration

3. Asking questions : communicating with professors during office hours and utilizing student
support services

Strength: clarifies doubts, provides support and enhances understanding

Weaknesses: may require overcoming fear or hesitation to ask questions

4. Time management : studying at a specific time of the day and managing time effectively

Strength: enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves goal achievement

Weaknesses: can be challenging to create and stick to a schedule

5. Reading ability : reading and understanding material before class

Strength: enhances understanding, retention and application of material

Weaknesses: may require additional support or resources for students with reading challenges

6. Taking test: preparing for test and exams by reviewing material and practicing questions

Strength :

Weaknesses :
Collect and record data

Questionnaire

1. Name of student?

2. Current level of study?

3. What is your major or field of study?

4. How many hours do you spend studyingfor each subject pr wewk.

5. What time of the day do you usually study?

o Morning
o Afternoon
o Evening

6. Do you have a dedicated study space?

o Yes
o No

7. How often do you take breaks whilst studying?

o Every 30 minutes
o Every 1 hour
o Every 2 hours

8. What are your current grades in each subject

subject grade

9. How do you rate your overall academic performance ?

o Poor
o Excellent
o Fair
o Good
10. Have you experienced any academic challenges?
o Yes
o No

11. If yes describe the challenges you faced

12. What studying techniques do you use most?

o Note taking
o Summarizing
o Self quizzing
o Other

13. If other, what is the method?

14. Do you review your notes regularly ?

o Yes
o No
Analyzing the data

selfquizzing note taking summarizing othe

(study time against academic performance)

academic perfomance
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20

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Stage 3

Create new ideas

1. Optimizing model

Use calculus to find the optimal study time that maximizes academic performance
considering factors like diminishing returns and fatigue

2. Dynamic systems:

Model the dynamics of knowledge acquisition and retention for factors like forgetting
curves and spaced repetition

3. Game theory:

Analyze the strategic interaction between students, teachers and study material using game
theory, identifying optimal strategies for maximizing academic performance

4. Network analysis:

Represent knowledge structures as networks and study how students navigate and build
connections between concepts, using metrics like centrality and clustering

5. Machine learning:

Develop predictive models that incorporate study time, learning style and other factors to
forecast academic performance and identify areas of improvement

Modify existing solutions

1. Prioritizing task :

Use optimization algorithms to prioritize task based on importance, deadlines and difficulty

2. Taking breaks

Apply research on human productivity to optimize break schedules, ensuring students

recharge and stay focused

3. Asking question:

introduce AI powered tools that provide instant feedback and guidance, helping students
ask more effective questions and seek help when needed
4.
 5.

Experimentation and testing

Optimization model

Rates of change

Test score (y) is a function of study time (x)

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Stage 4

Choose the best idea

Evaluation criteria

1. Effectiveness – how effective is the idea in improving academic performance?

2. Feasibility – how feasible is the idea to implement?
3. Scalability – how scalable is the idea for different students and learning context?
4. Impact – what is the potential impact of the idea on learning outcomes?

Evaluation

1. Optimization model: high effectiveness, moderate feasibility, high scalability and high
impact
 2. Dynamic systems : moderate effectiveness, low feasibility, moderate scalability and
moderate impact
3. Game theory: moderate effectiveness, moderate feasibility, moderate scalability and
moderate impact
4. Network analysis: high effectiveness, high feasibility , high scalability and moderate impact

Best idea

Based on the evaluation, the optimization model and network analysis seem to be the most
promising ideas. However if we had to choose one, I would consider the optimization model as the
best idea due to its high effectiveness, scalability and impact. It can be used to develop personalized
study plans, optimize study time and improve academic performance.

Refine your idea

Aim: maximize academic performance while minimizing study time

Objective function: maximize academic performance [AP] while minimizing study time [ST]

Variables:

 Study time [ST]

 Learning rate [LR]
 Retention rate [RT]

Mathematical formulation

Maximize AP = f(ST,LR,RR)

Minimize ST= f(AP,LR,RR)