Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Contemporary Approaches in Education 2025, Vol. 4(2) 101-114
Beyond Familiarity: The Impact of Student Expectations and Learning Strategies on Academic Performance
pp. 101 - 114 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijcae.2025.1406.2
Publish Date: December 31, 2025 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
This study examines differences in students’ performance on familiar examination questions and questions that had not been previously encountered. A comparative document-based design was adopted. Data consisted of responses from 353 undergraduate students in an examination. Performance was analyzed using two examination questions covering topics that had been taught during lectures. The results showed a huge difference in students’ performance. Only 0.6% of students, compared to 40%, answered the question that had not been previously encountered correctly. A paired sample t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores (p < 0.05). In addition, a weak positive correlation was observed between performance on the two items (r = 0.125). These findings suggest a strong influence of question familiarity on examination performance. It is recommended that educators employ instructional and assessment practices that enhance conceptual understanding and expose students to a wide range of problem types.
Keywords: Question familiarity, Schema theory, Assessment, higher education, academic performance
APA 7th edition
Owusu-Ansah, N.A. (2025). Beyond Familiarity: The Impact of Student Expectations and Learning Strategies on Academic Performance. International Journal of Contemporary Approaches in Education, 4(2), 101-114. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijcae.2025.1406.2
Harvard
Owusu-Ansah, N. (2025). Beyond Familiarity: The Impact of Student Expectations and Learning Strategies on Academic Performance. International Journal of Contemporary Approaches in Education, 4(2), pp. 101-114.
Chicago 16th edition
Owusu-Ansah, Nana Akosua (2025). "Beyond Familiarity: The Impact of Student Expectations and Learning Strategies on Academic Performance". International Journal of Contemporary Approaches in Education 4 (2):101-114. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijcae.2025.1406.2
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