On the surface, study groups may seem like a good idea—quite often, they are. Under the right circumstances, studying with friends can be very helpful. But not always.

You may not be aware of it, but your peers can affect your attitude toward academics, work ethic, and overall performance. When you study together regularly, your friends' study habits will likely rub off on you—and this can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on whether your “study buddies” are dedicated students and have good habits. Let's discuss how participating in a study group could either help or hurt you academically and why this happens.

Conformity

Conformity is a powerful psychological phenomenon that takes place when we adjust our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs to fit social norms. Students are likelier to mirror their peers' study habits because they want to fit in, be accepted, and avoid criticism. For example, if your friends like to procrastinate, you may also be more inclined to do so. Similarly, if your friends show enthusiasm for studying, you are more likely to adopt that attitude.

Social Comparison

Social comparison is another phenomenon that can influence our behavior. People tend to evaluate themselves against their peers and use them as a reference point for performance. If your friends are high achievers, you will likely feel motivated to improve your own grades. On the other hand, if your friends are struggling, you may take on their discouragement and become unmotivated.

“Groupthink”

When you join an academically healthy study group, you can benefit from collective learning, share resources and strategies, and motivate each other. However, study groups can also foster groupthink, where members prioritize agreement over critical thinking. Thus, if your study group shares ineffective or inefficient study habits, you may blindly follow them without questioning their effectiveness.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is perhaps the most direct way your friends' study habits can influence you. Peer pressure can take many forms, from urging you to skip class or cheat on an exam to encouraging healthy habits such as regular exercise and good nutrition. Remember that peer pressure can be either positive or negative, and it is up to you to recognize and resist behaviors that aren't aligned with your goals and values.

Tips to Benefit from a Study Group

It should be apparent by now that study groups are not inherently good or bad—it truly depends on the people involved and the dynamic of the group itself. If you decide to participate in one, consider the following tips to ensure it helps you rather than hinders you:

• Choose a study group consisting of dedicated and motivated students. Resist the urge to join a group because they are your friends. Use peer pressure to your advantage by surrounding yourself with people who motivate you.

• Be self-aware. Pay attention to yourself and your behavior within the group. If you notice yourself adopting attitudes that are less than ideal, step away.

• Do not use the study group as a “crutch.” While it can be beneficial to rely on your peers for feedback and support, assuming you will do well just because you are in the group is a mistake. Use the group to supplement your own study, not to replace it.

Finally, remember to take responsibility for your success. If the study group is helping you, lean into it; if it is not, step away from it. If you need extra help with your studies, consider getting a tutor. Your academic success ultimately depends on you and the choices you make.