The role of retrieval practice in memory and analogical problem-solving

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 858-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Autumn B Hostetter ◽  
Elizabeth A Penix ◽  
Mackenzie Z Norman ◽  
W Robert Batsell ◽  
Thomas H Carr

Retrieval practice (e.g., testing) has been shown to facilitate long-term retention of information. In two experiments, we examine whether retrieval practice also facilitates use of the practised information when it is needed to solve analogous problems. When retrieval practice was not limited to the information most relevant to the problems (Experiment 1), it improved memory for the information a week later compared with copying or rereading the information, although we found no evidence that it improved participants’ ability to apply the information to the problems. In contrast, when retrieval practice was limited to only the information most relevant to the problems (Experiment 2), we found that retrieval practice enhanced memory for the critical information, the ability to identify the schematic similarities between the two sources of information, and the ability to apply that information to solve an analogous problem after a hint was given to do so. These results suggest that retrieval practice, through its effect on memory, can facilitate application of information to solve novel problems but has minimal effects on spontaneous realisation that the information is relevant.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
alice latimier ◽  
Arnaud Rierget ◽  
Son Thierry Ly ◽  
Franck Ramus

The current study aimed at comparing the effect of three placements of the re-exposure episodes on memory retention (interpolated-small, interpolated-medium, postponed), depending on whether retrieval practice or re-reading was used, and on retention interval (one week vs one month).


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Latimier ◽  
Arnaud Riegert ◽  
Hugo Peyre ◽  
Son Thierry Ly ◽  
Roberto Casati ◽  
...  

Abstract Compared with other learning strategies, retrieval practice seems to promote superior long-term retention. This has been found mostly in conditions where learners take tests after being exposed to learning content. However, a pre-testing effect has also been demonstrated, with promising results. This raises the question, for a given amount of time dedicated to retrieval practice, whether learners should be tested before or after an initial exposure to learning content. Our experiment directly compares the benefits of post-testing and pre-testing relative to an extended reading condition, on a retention test 7 days later. We replicated both post-testing (d = 0.74) and pre-testing effects (d = 0.35), with significantly better retention in the former condition. Post-testing also promoted knowledge transfer to previously untested questions, whereas pre-testing did not. Our results thus suggest that it may be more fruitful to test students after than before exposure to learning content.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 667-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Yoon Lee ◽  
Youngmin Oh ◽  
Sung Shin Kim ◽  
Robert A. Scheidt ◽  
Nicolas Schweighofer

Although scheduling multiple tasks in motor learning to maximize long-term retention of performance is of great practical importance in sports training and motor rehabilitation after brain injury, it is unclear how to do so. We propose here a novel theoretical approach that uses optimal control theory and computational models of motor adaptation to determine schedules that maximize long-term retention predictively. Using Pontryagin’s maximum principle, we derived a control law that determines the trial-by-trial task choice that maximizes overall delayed retention for all tasks, as predicted by the state-space model. Simulations of a single session of adaptation with two tasks show that when task interference is high, there exists a threshold in relative task difficulty below which the alternating schedule is optimal. Only for large differences in task difficulties do optimal schedules assign more trials to the harder task. However, over the parameter range tested, alternating schedules yield long-term retention performance that is only slightly inferior to performance given by the true optimal schedules. Our results thus predict that in a large number of learning situations wherein tasks interfere, intermixing tasks with an equal number of trials is an effective strategy in enhancing long-term retention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith B. Lyle ◽  
Campbell R. Bego ◽  
Robin F. Hopkins ◽  
Jeffrey L. Hieb ◽  
Patricia A. S. Ralston

2020 ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
Sofia Fedorovna Usmanova ◽  
Natalia Nikolaevna Kholina

A complete, long-term retention of material learned during the lesson should be supplemented by independent study at home, as it is a method of reinforcing knowledge and skills; it forms independence in educational and cognitive activities in children as well as develops their thinking and self-discipline skills. This article deals with different approaches to creating a highly effective homework organization system, which allows to get complete and high-quality information about the level of studied material.


1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARK L. HOWE

It is argued that memory for traumatic events is similar to that for other distinctive, personally significant events regardless of whether they are affectively positive or negative. Examined in this light, the focus now shifts to the role of individual differences in neurobiological, social, cognitive, and constitutional factors that conspire to determine long-term retention of significant autobiographical experiences. What is known about these factors in determining memorability is reviewed, issues of measurement inadequacies discussed, and recommendations for further research outlined.


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