Testing Effect
The "testing effect" refers to the research finding that the long-term retention of information is significantly improved by testing learners on this information. Testing is not merely a means to measure a learner’s level of knowledge, but rather causes knowledge to be stored more effectively in long-term memory.
Some elegant research was recently reported by Dr. Karpicke, Dr. Roediger and their colleagues demonstrating the profound improvement that testing (retrieval practice) can generate on longer-term retention of knowledge. Further evidence suggests that testing with fill-in-the-blank questions (free recall) produces greater improvements in retention, compared to testing with multiple-choice questions (cued recall).
Selected References on the Testing Effect
1. Karpicke JD, Roediger HL, 3rd. The critical importance of retrieval for learning. Science 2008;319(5865):966-8.
2. Roediger HL, Karpicke JD. Test-enhanced learning: taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychol Sci 2006;17(3):249-55.
3. Carpenter SK, Pashler H, Wixted JT, Vul E. The effects of tests on learning and forgetting. Mem Cognit 2008;36(2):438-48.
4. Larsen DP, Butler AC, Roediger HL, 3rd. Test-enhanced learning in medical education. Med Educ 2008;42(10):959-66.
5. McDaniel MA, Roediger HL, 3rd, McDermott KB. Generalizing test-enhanced learning from the laboratory to the classroom. Psychonomic bulletin & review 2007;14(2):200-6.
6. Morris PE, Fritz CO. The improved name game: better use of expanding retrieval practice. Memory 2002;10(4):259-66.
7. Bjork RA. Retrieval practice and the maintenance of knowledge. In: Gruneberg MM, Morris PE, Sykes RN, eds. Practical aspects of memory: current research and issues. New York: John Wiley & Sons.; 1988 (pp. 396-401).
8. Glenberg AM. Influences of retrieval processes on the spacing effect in free recall. J Exp Psychol Hum Learn Memory 1977;3(3):282-94.
9. Logan JM, Balota DA. Expanded vs. equal interval spaced retrieval practice: exploring different schedules of spacing and retention interval in younger and older adults. Neuropsychology, development, and cognition 2008;15(3):257-80.
