Which of the following is true about students who highlight the texts they read?

• A. Highlighting consistently leads to higher exam scores compared to other study methods.
• B. Highlighting requires deep processing of information and always results in better long-term memory.
• C. Highlighting is recommended by cognitive psychologists as the most effective way to learn complex material.
• D. Highlighting is generally considered a low-utility learning strategy and does not significantly improve comprehension or retention.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of highlighting as a study strategy: Highlighting involves marking important parts of the text to focus attention on key information.
2. Review research findings on highlighting: Studies in cognitive psychology show that highlighting often leads to passive engagement with the material rather than active processing.
3. Consider the concept of deep processing: Effective learning usually requires deep processing, such as elaboration or self-explanation, which highlighting alone does not guarantee.
4. Compare highlighting with other study methods: Techniques like self-testing and distributed practice have been shown to produce better retention and comprehension than highlighting.
5. Conclude that highlighting is generally a low-utility strategy: While it may help identify important information, it does not significantly improve exam performance or long-term memory on its own.