Karlyn E. Vatthauer College of Arts & Science, Department of Psychology, & Honors College Mentor: Dr. Daniel Taylor, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, UNT
Research Topic The predictive relationship of sleep and academic performance (GPA).
Vocabulary Traditional - variables that have commonly been shown to predict academic performance in previous research High school GPA, standardized test scores, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status Modifiable - variables that may be amenable to treatment to increase academic performance Alcohol/drug use, alcohol/drug disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep
Purpose The intention of this project was to compare traditional and modifiable variables, specifically sleep, as predictors of GPA (cumulative & semester*). * Data not shown in this presentation
Research Questions Is sleep significantly correlated with GPA? If yes, in what way? Is sleep a significant predictor of GPA when other variables are accounted for?
Literature Review Several studies have shown a positive correlation between undergraduate academic performance (GPA) and postgraduate earnings (Filer 1981, 1983; Jones & Jackson, 1990; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2003; Wise, 1975). Colleges and universities rely very heavily on standardized test scores and high school grades to predict GPA.
Literature Review When combined, HS GPA and standardized test scores only predict 25 % of GPA variance (ACT, 1997; Boldt, 1986; Mathiasen, 1984; Mouw & Khanna). In previous studies, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) have predicted GPA (Betts & Morell, 1999; Peters, Joireman, & Ridgway, 2005).
Literature Review Research has shown mixed results (negative relationship or no relationship) for alcohol use as a predictor of GPA (Paschall & Freisthler, 2003; Singleton, 2007). Chronic drug use leads to cognitive impairments on achievement tests (Block, Erwin, & Ghoneim, 2002; Hoshi, Mullins, Boundy, Brignell, Piccini, & Curran, 2007; Solowij et al., 2002).
Literature Review Previous and current research has shown a positive relationship between anxiety disorders and GPA (Stringer, Crown, Lucas, & Supramanium, 1977). Research has yet to show whether a relationship exists between depression and GPA (Hysenbegasi, 2005; Svanum & Zody, 2001).
Literature Review Research of sleep patterns and academic performance has been very limited. Most researchers use total sleep time to study differences in sleep patterns (Gau et. al, 2007; Peters et al., 2005; Thacher, 2008). There are many other sleep variables that can be studied: Time in bed, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, time awake in morning, nap time, and number of awakenings
Literature Review Sleep problems are a frequent occurrence within the college population (Forquer, Camden, Gabriau, & Johnson, 2008). These problems should affect more than the bedroom.
Hypotheses Sleep pattern will be significantly correlated with GPA because it is a primary part of students lifestyles. Specifically, sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, and time awake in morning will predict GPA. Sleep pattern will significantly predict GPA when all variables are accounted for. Sleep pattern will significantly predict GPA when traditional variables are removed.
Methods Participants (N = 951) were recruited from undergraduate psychology classes at the University of North Texas. Participants completed a self-report health questionnaire packet and a week long sleep diary, available on the SONA system, an online research service. Students received four extra credit points towards their psychology class.
Methods Demographics 74% were females Ethnicity 63% Caucasian 13% African-American 10% Hispanic-American 5% Asian/Pacific-Islander 1% Native American 4% other Academic rank 40% freshmen 27% sophomores 19% juniors 15% seniors Age (M = 20.3; SD = 3.9). Family income ( Mean = $100,000 - $149,000 (SD = 2.9)
Data Analysis Multiple correlation Sleep pattern variables and GPA All other variables and GPA* Stepwise multiple regression Significant correlates and GPA** Significant modifiable variables and GPA *Data not shown in this presentation **Only sleep pattern variables shown
Results Multiple correlation of sleep pattern and GPA Significant relationship between GPA and: Sleep onset latency (r = -.06, p <.05) Nap time (r = -.11, p <.01) Number of awakenings (r =.08, p <.05)
Table 1 Summary of Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis with Significant Correlates as Criterion Step Predictor Variable R² R² F β 6 NWAK.18.01 5.93*.10** 7 NAP.19.01 6.42* -.08* Note. NWAK = Number of Wakenings; NAP = Nap Time; PSS = Perceived stress scale *p <.05. **p <.01.
problem scale. *p <.05. **p <.01. Table 2 Summary of Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis with Significant Intervention- Possible Correlates as Criterion Step Predictor Variable R² R² F β 1 AUDIT.02.02 20.26** -.12** 2 NAP.03.01 11.44** -.11** 3 PSS.04.01 9.20** -.11** 4 NWAK.06.01 10.02**.11** 5 MPS.06.01 5.07* -.08 * Note. AUDIT = Alcohol use disorders identification test; NAP = Nap Time; PSS = Perceived stress scale; NWAK = Number of Wakenings; MPS = Marijuana
Discussion Sleep pattern was significantly correlated with GPA. Specifically, sleep onset latency, nap time, and number of awakenings. Nap time and number of awakenings continued to be significant predictors of GPA after accounting for all other variables Each accounted for an additional 1% of GPA variance.
Discussion Overall, of modifiable variables: Sleep variables accounted for 2% of GPA variance Alcohol use disorders 2% Trait stress 1% Marijuana use 1%
Acknowledgements Dr. Daniel Taylor, Psychology Dr. Susan Eve, Associate Dean of the Honors College Dr. Gloria Cox, Dean of the Honors College Department of Psychology College of Arts and Science
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