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Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Academic Performance in College Undergraduates

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Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Academic Performance in College Undergraduates
Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Academic Performance in College Undergraduates
Morgan Bolen, Maria Naula-Quintero, and Carlin Wright
Michigan State University

Abstract
In this study we are interested in assessing the relationship between average amount of caffeine consumed per day and academic performance. We hypothesized that an increase in average caffeine consumed per day would result in increased academic success. A short survey was composed based on average amount of caffeine consumed per day measured in milligrams and academic performance measured by GPA. This survey was administered through Survey Gizmo to Dr. Pleskac’s PSY 395 class, and a total of 59 participants completed the survey. Overall, there was a slight, negative correlation between amount of caffeine consumed per day on average and academic performance. Increases in caffeine consumed on average were negatively correlated with academic performance. From the results of our findings we are unable to provide strong support for our hypothesis that an increased amount of caffeine consumption will lead to increased academic success. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Academic Performance in College Students Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world and its usage results in dependency among many users. There are benefits to caffeine as it may have positive effects on learning, but there are also negative effects on physical health. It is well known that many college students ingest caffeine prior to studying, writing papers, and taking exams. Caffeine is known to increase alertness, improve mood, and enhance cognitive performance. Increased alertness and concentration allows for easier retention and understanding of material, and can result in increased academic success. This information leads a person to wonder, is academic performance related to amount of caffeine consumption? A study of caffeine


References: American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Anderson, B. L. (2009). Caffeine consumption and its association with psychological functioning in a college population. The American University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 85. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/304843945?accountid=12598. (304843945). Harris, K. M. (2009). Caffeine consumption as a predictor of sleep quality, sleep hygiene, subjective sleepiness, and academic performance among north texas female college students. Texas Woman 's University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 172-n/a. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/305129563?accountid=12598. (305129563). Loke, W. H. (1988). Caffeine consumption by college undergraduates. Psychology: A Journal of Human Behavior, 25(2), 8-11. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/617579909?accountid=12598 Graph 1
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