The testing effect, also called retrieval practice, is the finding that actively recalling information through testing produces stronger, longer-lasting memory of that information than an equivalent amount of time spent simply re-reading or restudying the material. The effect has been demonstrated repeatedly in educational and cognitive psychology research since early twentieth century studies and has become a foundational principle behind study techniques such as flashcards and practice quizzing. Researchers attribute the benefit to the effort involved in retrieving information from memory, which appears to strengthen and reorganize the underlying memory trace in a way that passive review does not.
Facts
Core ClaimActively retrieving information from memory, such as through a practice test, strengthens long-term retention more than an equal amount of additional study time, which is why cognitive psychologists now promote testing as a teaching tool rather than only an assessment tool. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of Phenomenon Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Testing effect
Wikimedia Foundationlead paragraph, definition
The testing effect (also known as retrieval practice, active recall, practice testing, or test-enhanced learning) suggests long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory.
lead section, defining sentence
The testing effect (also known as retrieval practice, active recall, practice testing, or test-enhanced learning) suggests long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory.
origin/history passage
The first documented empirical studies on the testing effect were published in 1909 by Edwina E. Abbott
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
The testing effect (also known as retrieval practice, active recall, practice testing, or test-enhanced learning) suggests long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory.
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