Retrieval Practice Enhances the Recall and Transfer of Learning of Physiology Information

Abstract

It is well‐documented that retrieval practice can improve the recall of both simple and complex information when compared to more common methods of learning such as repeated studying (i.e., reading). Recent evidence also indicates that retrieval practice can improve higher orders of thinking, such as the ability to critically evaluate research articles (Dobson, Linderholm and Perez, 2018) and transfer of learning (Butler, 2010). One aim of this study was to investigate the effects of retrieval practice on transfer of learning with physiology information. A second aim was to compare recall and transfer of physiology information following retrieval practice versus a judgment of learning task (JOL) that may be easier for students to utilize on their own. Participants were randomly assigned to learn three short (~500 words) physiology texts using each of the following strategies: 1. studying a text four times (SSSS), 2. studying and then retrieving a text two times (SRSR), and 3. studying a text four times while completing multiple JOL during the second and fourth repetitions (SJSJ). Recall and transfer of learning were assessed one week after the participants learned the texts, and the results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs. The SRSR strategy resulted in significantly greater recall than the SSSS strategy (21.35 ± 1.08 vs. 17.35 ± 0.86, p<0.05), and both the SRSR and SJSJ strategies facilitated significantly greater transfer than the SSSS strategy (44.60 ± 2.55 and 41.79 ± 2.63, respectively, vs. 36.07 ± 2.40, p<0.05). These results indicate that retrieval practice may enhance both recall and higher order thinking about physiology information and that covert retrieval, as experienced in a JOL task, may provide similar benefits.Support or Funding InformationNoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.