Effect of attitudes toward study, study behaviors, and use of study aids on successful completion of the certifying examination of the American College of Theriogenologists

Abstract

Candidates who had taken the certifying examination of the American College of Theriogenologists within the previous ten years were surveyed. Data were collected regarding attitudes toward study, self-directed study behaviors, and use of study aids including textbooks, journal articles, websites, list-serves, and group study. Study attitudes varied slightly between successful and unsuccessful candidates, with successful candidates more likely to strive for perfection on all tasks and unsuccessful candidates more likely to view completion of the examination necessary for future success. Successful candidates exhibited more self-directed study behaviors and to a greater extent than did unsuccessful candidates. The most commonly used study aids are described.