What is SQ3R Method?

Study Techniques

SQ3R is an accurate and rigorous study method based on research in cognitive psychology that promotes enhanced learning of any reading material. This method is more thorough than the normal study methods used by most students who just read a book and ​memorize some contents. SQ3R is actually decades old and was suggested by Francis P. Robinson, an American educational psychologist, in his book called Effective Study released in the 1940s.

What does SQ3R mean? - SQ3R is the acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. These are the five steps proposed by Robinson to actively and effectively read and understand any specific subject or text. Through this sequence, readers can increase their understanding of a subject by intensive and intentional engagement in the reading process as described below.

Survey (S) – Here the student must start by reviewing the book or chapters to gain a high level or initial understanding of it by paying attention to its obvious elements like headings, bolded text, or printed charts. This first skim will provide him or her with a framework for what will be presented in the book or chapter. Survey will give you the big picture and helps you decide what is important.