Quiz yourself while studying; testing effect

‘‘If you quiz yourself while you study . . . why do you do so?’’ (the testing effect)

Our basic laboratory studies suggested that students are not aware of the testing effect, leading us to predict that they may not practise retrieval while studying in real-world settings. The results of our survey support this prediction. The majority of students indicated that they repeatedly read their notes or textbook while studying.”

 “Basic research on memory has shown that spending extra time maintaining or holding items in memory does not by itself promote learning (Craik & Watkins, 1973) and students may spend large amounts of additional time studying despite no gain in later memory for the items, a phenomenon called ‘‘labour-in-vain’’ during learning (Nelson & Leonesio, 1988).”

 “ A clear practical implication is that instructors should inform students about the benefits of self-testing and explain why testing enhances “learning.” “Testing enhances learning not only if instructors give tests and quizzes in the classroom but also if students practise recall while they study…Repeated testing enhances learning more than repeated reading…”

 Excerpts from:  Karpicke, J. D., Butler, A. C. & Roediger III, H. L.(2009)  Metacognitive strategies in student learning: Do students practise retrieval when they study on their own? Memory,17:4, 471 — 479. Retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://duke.edu/~ab259/pubs/KarpickeButler&Roediger(2009).pdf     (prepared by Mary R. Noble, PhD)

See also: 

Slagter, H.A., Davidson, R.J. & Lutz, A. (2011). Mental training as a tool in the neuroscientific study of brain and cognitive plasticity. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 5(17). doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2011.00017. Retrieved 4/21/12, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039118/?tool=pubmed#__sec15

Chiesa, A., Calati, R. & Serretti, A. (2011). Does mindfulness training improve cognitive abilities? A systematic review of neuropsychological findings. Clinical Psychological Review, 31(3), 449-64. Retrieved April 21, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21183265

Why do you need to use APA to cite references?

APA – CITING REFERENCES:  WHY??  HOW?
Prepared by Mary R. Noble, PhD
December 28, 2011

 

What is APA Format Citation?  APA (American Psychological Association) format is a structured system that organizes research papers, including the citation of sources in text and in the corresponding reference list, commonly called a bibliography. Many academic disciplines, particularly business, nursing and the social and behavioral sciences, require use of APA style, according to Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL).

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What is the Purpose of Using APA Formatting?  A primary purpose for using the APA format, according to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL), is to guide readers. Purdue's OWL claims that APA style helps readers locate information found in your paper with ease. As Brigham Young University (BYU) linguistics and English language professor Lynn E. Henrichsen explains, readers often want to verify information included in your paper or simply learn more about the subject. They can do this by following your cues to the original source.

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Simply put, APA format helps keep your paper neat and organized. This helps readers better focus on your ideas, claims Purdue's OWL, since they will not be distracted by unfamiliar formatting. Henrichsen contends that by using APA style, you show yourself as "a detail-oriented researcher." This is crucial because, as Henrichsen states, if you make an error involving punctuation or some other area covered by APA style, a reader might question your aptitude in other areas as well, such as statistical analysis.

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What Are the Benefits of Using APA Format?  Writers use the American Psychological Association (APA) citation and format style in professional and educational contexts, meaning that professionals and students often can't avoid APA formatting. By learning to use this type of formatting, writers learn acceptable standards for citing sources. APA style also improves technical aspects of a person's writing style.

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