Summary
This study identifies the textbook preference (in-print or digital) of college students,
while analyzing the success of the students in the class that corresponds with that text. There are
two questions addressed in this study: What is the relationship between the type of text being
utilized (in-print or digital) and the academic success of the reader? What are the students’
perceptions of success based on their text selection? A survey was administered to students in
two sections of an introductory education course to gather data about the type of texts students
are using, their opinions of those texts, their utilization of the text, and their academic success
within the course. Based on this information, data were analyzed and conclusions were made
about the type of relationship that exists. As college students continue to choose different types
of textbooks to use in their college courses, they may be able to use this information to make a
more educated decision about which type of text will help them be more successful in a
particular course.