Welcome!
I am a memory researcher at Northern Kentucky University.
In this course, we study how to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret scientific research.
Critical topics include:
- Formulating a Testable Hypothesis
- Experimental Design
- Avoiding Confounds
- Analyzing Data with Statistical Software
- Reporting Data in an APA-Formatted Manuscript
In this course, we study how animals learn to respond to stimuli and alter their behavior over time.
Critical topics include:
- Classical Conditioning
- Theories of Classical Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning
- Schedules of Reinforcement
- Punishment
- Real-world implications
In this course, we study how the human mind processes and stores information.
Critical topics include:
- Processing Visual and Auditory Information
- Attention and Theories of Attention
- Short-Term and Long-Term Memory
- Autobiographical Memory
- Language
- Reading Processes
- Judgments and Decision Making
Retrieval practice (i.e., attempting to recall information from memory) enhances learning.
Factors under investigation include:
- Retention intervals
- Test formats
- Retrieval effort
- Test hints
Successive Relearning is a potent learning strategy.
The key to this strategy is to relearn the information across spaced intervals!
Phase 1: Learn the information
During Phase 1, you want to study the information and then test yourself until you feel comfortable with the material. I recommend recalling the information correctly one time. Once you have recalled everything one time, it is time to move to the next phase.
Phase 2: Forget it!
You need to wait awhile before you start the next phase. Let the information incubate in your mind before you start testing yourself again. Typically, the more forgetting that you let occur, the more effective the subsequent test phase will be. I recommend waiting at least 2 days, but you can vary this depending upon your time constraints.
Phase 3: Relearn the information
Now that you have forgotten some of the information, it is time to reactive it! Start each relearning session with a test over the information. If you can recall the item, drop it from practice. If you fail to recall the item, test yourself again later. Your goal is to successfully recall the information one time. Once you have recalled everything once, it is time to repeat the process all over again.
Why this works:
Although this technique is still being investigated, we can speculate as to why it works so well.
This strategy combines two powerful learning techniques: Retrieval Practice + Distributed Practice. By constantly testing yourself across spaced intervals, you reap the benefits of both strategies.
Importantly, by allowing the information to fade from memory, you make the subsequent test phase even more effective.
But even more importantly, the real secret to this strategy is to squeeze in as many relearning sessions as you can.
The number of relearning sessions is THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR to consider in scheduling your practice!
Here is an example of a 2-day relearning schedule:
Bear in mind that you can use simple flashcards to practice this technique!
Successive Relearning is a potent learning strategy.
The key to this strategy is to relearn the information across spaced intervals!
Phase 1: Learn the information
During Phase 1, you want to study the information and then test yourself until you feel comfortable with the material. I recommend recalling the information correctly one time. Once you have recalled everything one time, it is time to move to the next phase.
Phase 2: Forget it!
You need to wait awhile before you start the next phase. Let the information incubate in your mind before you start testing yourself again. Typically, the more forgetting that you let occur, the more effective the subsequent test phase will be. I recommend waiting at least 2 days, but you can vary this depending upon your time constraints.
Phase 3: Relearn the information
Now that you have forgotten some of the information, it is time to reactive it! Start each relearning session with a test over the information. If you can recall the item, drop it from practice. If you fail to recall the item, test yourself again later. Your goal is to successfully recall the information one time. Once you have recalled everything once, it is time to repeat the process all over again.
Why this works:
Although this technique is still being investigated, we can speculate as to why it works so well.
This strategy combines two powerful learning techniques: Retrieval Practice + Distributed Practice. By constantly testing yourself across spaced intervals, you reap the benefits of both strategies.
Importantly, by allowing the information to fade from memory, you make the subsequent test phase even more effective.
But even more importantly, the real secret to this strategy is to squeeze in as many relearning sessions as you can.
The number of relearning sessions is THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR to consider in scheduling your practice!
Here is an example of a 2-day relearning schedule:
Bear in mind that you can use simple flashcards to practice this technique!