Definition
Research on the effects of testing on learning has become increasingly popular over the last several years. The testing effect, as it is commonly called, refers to the learning advantages that occur as a result of trying to retrieve information from memory (i.e., being tested), in comparison to simply being reexposed to that information. For example, consider a student who is studying German and trying to learn new vocabulary by pairing a German word (Hund) with its English translation (Dog). The student could construct flashcards containing Hund on one side and Dog on the other. Each time she sees the German word, she must try to recall the correct English translation before turning over the card to check her answer. As an alternative strategy, she could construct cards containing both the German and English words on the same side (Hund – Dog), and try to commit these words to memory by reading them...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Carpenter, S. K. (2009). Cue strength as a moderator of the testing effect: The benefits of elaborative retrieval. Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35, 1563–1568.
Chan, J. C. K., McDermott, K. B., & Roediger, H. L., III. (2006). Retrieval-induced facilitation: Initially nontested material can benefit from prior testing of related material. Journal of Experimental Psychology. General, 135, 553–571.
Cooper, E. H., & Pantle, A. J. (1967). The total time hypothesis in verbal learning. Psychological Bulletin, 68, 221–234.
Kang, S. H. K., McDermott, K. B., & Roediger, H. L., III. (2007). Test format and corrective feedback modify the effect of testing on long-term retention. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 19, 528–558.
Morris, C. D., Bransford, J. D., & Franks, J. J. (1977). Levels of processing versus transfer appropriate processing. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 16, 519–533.
Roediger, H. L., III, & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). The power of testing memory: Basic research and implications for educational practice. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 1, 181–210.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this entry
Cite this entry
Carpenter, S.K. (2012). Effects of Testing on Learning. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_465
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_465
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1427-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1428-6
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law