There is no single set of strategies that significantly contributes to success. The effectiveness of different types of learning strategies will vary depending on the characteristics of individual learners. Oxford and Nyikos (1989: 295) found that the use of appropriate learning strategies resulted in improved proficiency and greater self-confidence. For example, they found that students who had been studying for a number of years were more likely than beginners to benefit from strategies such as imitating native speakers and initiating foreign language conversations. This is presumably because a higher level of language ability is required before students can use these strategies.

A number of variables have been found to affect language learning strategy preferences.