Research: Testing Improves Memory
According to research, taking tests improves long term memory
Students, don’t cringe, but new research suggests that the very act of taking a test is enough to enhance long-term memory. Furthermore, testing helps students remember not only what they studied for the test, but also related, non-tested concepts.
The results “imply that as long as students retrieved a concept, other related concepts should also receive a boost,” the researchers write in the November issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
In one experiment, a group of 84 undergraduates were given two sets of facts about the biology and lifestyle of tropical toucan birds. The researchers divided the students into three groups, with one group taking a test immediately after studying the first set of facts, before receiving the second set to study for a final test.
Another group received both sets of toucan facts at once, before being dismissed. A third set of students served as a control group, and only studied the first set of toucan facts before being dismissed.
All the students came back one day later to take a final test containing questions culled from both the first and second set of toucan facts. Students tested twice significantly outperformed both the students who did not take a previous test and the control group.
Based on the results, the researchers, led by Jason Chan of Washington State University in St. Louis, recommend that “educators might consider increasing the frequency of testing to enhance long-term retention for both the tested and the related, non-tested material.”
Link: Testing Improves Memory
Filed under: Children's Issues
Didn’t take a Rocket Scientist to figure that out. Not to mention, taking the test one day later, doesn’t prove much. Heck, I was a professional crammer in my college days. I would ace those exams, so one day later doesn’t mean anything according to my own research!
Tariq, this is bang on. In fact practice of any kind makes one better at something. The reason why these memory and IQ tests are all rubbish. I have written a piece on this on my blog:
http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/tag/intelligence/
If the subject interests you, you could check it out. btw, my blog is absolutely non-commercial. the link will not lead you to an advert. I am saying this because of late I am getting that a lot. People give links and it turns out that they want to make money out of your visit.
Actually, my comment is for Nita. Your comment “People give links and it turns out that they want to make money out of your visit.”
I find that simply a freedom of choice. Some folks actually need to make money. Access to be able to advertise for free is a lovely thing.
If you choose not to buy or not to visit the blog again - so be it. Another freedom to cherish. At least it is individuals presenting, and not huge
corporations.
By the way, Tariq, I think “pre” testing is a great way to practice and actually calms the person down when the actual test is given. Fear
of tests can be very inhibiting.
Hmmm, I don’t know about that. Could be ‘cuz I’m still only in high school, but I find that tests don’t really mean much to me. I cram like mad the days before the test, and a week later if you asked me about the stuff that was on the test, I’d probably just give you a blank look.
For me, things stay in my head if I read a lot about the subject, and then continue to briefly review/ revise the subject on a regular basis.
Also, stuff that I’m actually interested in - like Islam - I’ll remember, but things that I find dull or boring - like Math - I’ll usually forget very quickly.
AnonyMouse,
Your comments took me back. I remember when I was in college, anytime I had an exam I would cram and stay up all night before an exam because I knew that if I fell asleep I would forget everything that I had tried so hard to memorize.
But I don’t think the article intended for one to think that cramming for a test would lead to better memory. In general, testing oneself helps reinforce concepts that you’ve learned.
But I wholeheartedly agree with you, it is so much more difficult to study or memorize something that isn’t meaningful or interesting to you.
I have been giving some thought recently to the issue of testing and information recall. School children are often given quizzes and tests, as are undergraduate students. Graduate students frequently just do essays, with the expectation that they are mature and committed enough to learn material without being prodded by examinations from the instructor. Businesses offer conventions; self-help groups give seminars; and churches give conferences and instructions– but all without any kind of periodic testing to see if information is being retained. It is like a college student auditing a class, often you only pay partial attention and miss much of the material. It does not sink very deep.
I wonder why testing helps? Are there chemicals in the body that respond to heightened anxiety? Is it a self-preservation reaction?
Thanks. Thanks a lot. ;-P