Table 1. Statements used in the study instrument grouped into categories⁵.

Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about self-study process, by rating them between 1 and 5. Use whole numbers only.
(1 = totally disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = totally agree)
Search Phase
Learning-Issue-Driven Searching
1. When I start studying, I use the learning issues as a starting point to determine what literature I will search.
2. During studying I always check the learning issues to determine whether I study deep enough.
3. I’m particularly guided by the learning issues.
4. I use learning issues to see if the literature I have studied covers the content.
5. I use learning issues as a guideline to study the literature step-by-step.
Extensiveness of Searching
6. When searching the literature, I try to judge different textbooks on their relevance for the subject to be studied.
7. When searching the literature, I compare different literature about the same subject.
8. I spent a lot of time and effort on searching the literature before I start studying.
9. When searching the literature, I compare different literature about the same subject.
Preparing Phase
Explanation Oriented
I prepare myself
10. Such that I can explain the literature without the textbooks.
I prepare myself
11. Such that I can clarify my point of view about theories.
12. Such that I can explain concepts in the literature in my own words.
13. Such that I know what needs to be discussed in each learning issue.
14. By making summaries of the literature.
15. By making notes.
Reporting and Presentation Phase
Breadth of Discussion
16. Many different findings are discussed.
17. When someone finds something that is not directly related to the learning issues, it is explained to others.
18. The members of the group frequently question different aspects of the literature.
19. Contrasting literature is explained.
Depth of Discussion
20. During the discussion during the presentation, the new facts are explained and elaborated.
21. The discussion in the presentation contains much depth.
22. In using the newly learned knowledge, we question and clarify the phenomena that underlie the problem.
23. The discussion and the presentation are very useful in addition to what I study.