Testing effect

Definitions & Key takeaways

The testing effect is a phenomenon in which learning is improved when tested on the material, rather than simply studying it. This effect is believed to occur because testing encourages active retrieval of information, which strengthens memory and increases the ability to recall the material in the future. Tests can also provide feedback on how well the material is understood and can be used to identify areas that require further study.

Watch video only
Let’s say you have a big exam coming up and you need to review the material—what would be the best way for you to study?
Well you might think that you should re-read the textbook or look over your notes, but it turns out that one of the most effective ways to study is by testing yourself on the material.
In other words, the mere act of answering questions will strengthen memory—a phenomenon that is called the Testing Effect, or sometimes test-enhanced learning or retrieval practice.
This phenomenon happens for a number of reasons. One is that active learning is better than passive learning.
When we read a textbook chapter or re-read our notes, we are engaging with the material in a relatively passive way. We like to think that we are information sponges—that we absorb the knowledge as it passes by our eyes—but it turns out that real learning happens when we actively engage with the material—for example, when we think about how it relates to other material we’ve learned or are learning.
Actively thinking about the material increases the likelihood that we will recall the information when we need it later on—like on an exam.
In fact, the more actively you can engage with the material—the better. Research has shown that you should take the time to test yourself in ways that force you to struggle with the material, rather than just focusing on plain recall.
The benefits of testing are largest when the questions are complex and you really need to work to come up with the answer.
Another reason has to do with the dynamics of recalling. In order to answer a question on a test you have to search through your memory and retrieve the answer, right?
Well, it turns out that—at least in one respect—your memory is more like a muscle than like a filing cabinet. When you first rode a bike you probably fell a lot, and your movements were rough and wobbly, but with practice, the movements become easier and smoother.
We can think about memory as working the same way—where the more you practice testing yourself and recalling the information, the easier it will be for you to do so again at a later time.
As an example, one study compared medical residents who tested themselves versus those who simply restudied information about two diseases.
Those who underwent practice testing achieved on average 13% higher scores than their counterparts who re-read the information, and this was 6 months after they first learned the material, which shows greater long-term retention.
And if you practiced retrieving information during the intervening months, recall would be even greater. An important part of the testing effect has to do with the timing during which the testing happens.
In another study, participants read an article and then were tested on the material either 1 day, 1 week, or 3 weeks later.
Those who were tested on the material just one day after they learned it had better recall of that information later as compared to those who were tested on the material long after they had learned it.
Okay so how can you use this when you want to learn something? Well, if your teacher gives you a practice test, then take it!
If not, try to find some practice questions online, or use sites like ours (Osmosis) that can automatically send you questions as you approach your exam.
You can also use other study strategies where you actively engage with the material, like flash cards and taking notes where you put the information in your own words.
Also, change your mindset about testing more generally: don’t think of exams as only being about assessing your learning.
Instead, see them for what they are—an important learning opportunity. So make sure you always review your exams and quizzes, to see what you got wrong.