• Focusing on learning processes leads to higher achievement than focusing on performance outcomes.

• The SR factor significantly predicted students' GPA and performance on a standardized test (VSOL), but not by their SD.

• A theoretical perspective from SR suggests that performance outcomes and learning processes can be helpful during repetitive practice. The mastery of a skill results from students' learning processes, so it makes sense to shift to processes that enhance their performance, such as ignoring distractions and controlling impulses. Students who focus on performance outcomes at the point of automaticity outperform students who focus on only learning processes. It is, however, necessary to use dynamic assessment methods over a long period of time when studying that topic using SD processes.