The purpose of this study was to determine criteria for helping students decide if they would profit more from traditional methods of instruction or from independent and individualized methods. Four areas were studied: whether traditional methods were superior to individualized methods; whether students preferred either method; whether there was a correlation of age or education levels with success in individualized study; and whether there was a correlation of autonomy, achievement, GPA, or endurance with success in individualized study. The results of several distinct tests administered to various groups of students enrolled at the Clearwater Campus of St. Petersburg Junior College in 1973-74 indicated that: (1) there was no significant difference in student learning in traditional or individualized situations; (2) there was no significant difference between student attitudes toward either mode of instruction; (3) age was not a factor in determining potential success in individualized situations, but educational level was an important factor--freshmen do not perform as well in these situations as sophomores and those holding undergraduate or graduate degrees; and (4) there was no correlation of autonomy or endurance with success in individualized study, but success did correlate with both GPA and achievement. A literature review is included. (DC)