Learning by taking practice tests (what is called retrieval practice) is seen as useful in helping with the memory hiccups associated with stress, according to a new research study from Tufts University.
The research is based on experiments involving 120 subjects (college students.) The people were divided into two groups. With one group, the subjects were asked to learn several sets of words and images (30 of each in total) by retrieval practice. In the second group, the people undertook the ‘conventional method’ of re-reading material the same material to memorize it. The subjects were then subject to a stressful situation and their ability to recall tested. Retrieval practice involves learning by taking tests and retrieving information over and over again.
When the tests were run, those who used the retrieval practice method out performed those who had learned using the conventional method. The recalls were run 24-hours later.
Here the subjects were surprised and intentionally stressed by being made to undergo a math test in front of two judges, three fellow students and video recorded at the same time. Immediately afterwards the memory recall tests were run.
Commenting on the findings, the lead researcher Dr. Ayanna Thomas noted in a research brief: “Typically, people under stress are less effective at retrieving information from memory. We now show for the first time that the right learning strategy, in this case retrieval practice or taking practice tests, results in such strong memory representations that even under high levels of stress.”
The results also infer that it matters less for how long a person studies or the degree to which the study, but rather the methods used to study. Moreover, while stress impairs memory, a counter-balance is obtained from the learning style used from the outset. Given that stress affects different people in different ways, further research will be required to understand these differences in relation to memory recall.
The research findings have been published in the journal Science. The research paper is titled “Retrieval practice protects memory against acute stress.”
