Question

You and your roommate spent all of last night studying for your psychology test. You think you know the material; however, you suggest that you study again the next morning an hour prior to the test. Your roommate asks you to explain why you think this is a good idea. What do you tell her?

Short answer

Revisiting study material before the test helps in better retention of the information due to the 'spacing effect'. It aids 'Active Recall' which solidifies the memory. Revision also boosts confidence, alleviates test-related stress, and combats the effects of the 'forgetting curve'.

Step-by-step solution

Validity of Distributed Practice Strategy

Highlight the concept of 'distributed practice strategy', also known as the 'spacing effect', which argues that information learned over a period of time and repeated at intervals tends to be remembered better than information crammed at once.

Role of Active Recall

Point out the role of 'Active Recall' in solidifying memories. Revisiting the study material a few hours after the initial study session and trying to remember key points helps in better retention.

Revision as a Confidence Builder

Explain that reviving the topics again before the test works as a confidence builder. It can help to mitigate test-related stress and anxiety, ensuring better performance.

Avoidance of Forgetting Curve

Elaborate on the 'Forgetting Curve' proposed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, which describes how memory fades over time when there is no attempt to retain it. A quick revision session right before the exam can help combat the effects of this forgetting curve.

Key concepts

Spacing Effect

Imagine trying to fill your bucket with knowledge, but instead of using a steady, paced flow, you pour all the water in at once. Much like the water, cramming all study material in one go can lead to information spilling away. This is where the 'spacing effect' comes into play for effective learning. It is a phenomenon suggesting that our brains are better at retaining information when our learning sessions are spaced out over time.

Implementing the spacing effect can be as simple as breaking up your study schedule into multiple, shorter sessions over a week, rather than a marathon study session the night before an exam. This method gives your brain time to process and encode information, making it easier to retrieve when needed. Research has shown that students who employ spaced repetition in their study habits tend to perform better on tests than those who mass study.

Active Recall

Have you ever tried recalling a song from memory? You're using a powerful learning method known as 'active recall'. It's the practice of actively stimulating memory during the learning process by testing yourself on the material you're trying to learn. Unlike passive review, such as rereading notes or textbooks, active recall requires you to pull information out of your brain, somewhat like a mini-quiz.

Effective study sessions can include creating flashcards and self-generated quizzes to periodically test your knowledge. This active engagement with the material leads to stronger mental connections and a higher probability of recalling the information later. This concept leverages the idea that the effortful act of retrieving knowledge helps to solidify it in our memories.

Forgetting Curve

The 'forgetting curve' is a term coined by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, after his extensive studies on memory. It represents the decline of memory retention over time if no effort is made to retain the information. Picture it as a slippery slope where, after learning something new, our ability to retain that information drops sharply without proper reinforcement.

To conquer this downward slide, continuous review and practice are key. Bringing the material back to mind at intervals after the initial learning counters the effects of the forgetting curve. This not only helps in remembering the material for a longer period but also decreases the amount of time required to relearn it later on.

Study Habits

Building effective study habits is akin to constructing a sturdy house; it's all about laying a solid foundation and following a reliable blueprint. Good study habits are the cornerstone of successful learning. They're about more than just scheduling time to study; it's how you approach studying that truly matters.

Effective study habits include organizing your study space, using a planner to keep track of study sessions, setting specific goals for each session, and taking regular, timed breaks to avoid burnout. Always incorporate active learning techniques, such as teaching the material to someone else, or practicing problems, to deepen understanding and retention. Adapting good study habits leads to better focus, higher efficiency, and improved academic outcomes.