It is a known reality in the teaching of computer programming subjects, that the initiation in these subjects is usually problematic (Joyanes Aguilar, 1991, p. XI). This is due to a lack of understanding of the definition and components of the problems to be solved (Lozano R., 1986, p. 13) and, secondly, to the lack of use by students of the methods and techniques available for this task. The present work shows a quantitative and qualitative study, which is based on the design, application and analysis of the results of various research tools (questionnaires, interviews, document review and observations), which will be used with university students of programming subjects, with the purpose of identifying in what percentage they use them and what favourable or unfavourable conceptual aspects they contribute when using them in the development of computer programs.