Cited by 322Memory Processes and InfluencesStudent Assessment and FeedbackVisual and Cognitive Learning Processes

The effect of type and timing of feedback on learning from multiple-choice tests.

Butler, Andrew C., Karpicke, Jeffrey D., Roediger, Henry L.·2007·Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied

Abstract

Two experiments investigated how the type and timing of feedback influence learning from a multiple-choice test. First, participants read 12 prose passages, which covered various general knowledge topics (e.g., The Sun) and ranged between 280 and 300 words in length. Next, they took an initial six-alternative, multiple-choice test on information contained in the passages. Feedback was given immediately for some of the multiple-choice items or after delay for other items. Participants were either shown the correct answer as feedback (standard feedback) or were allowed to keep answering until the correct answer was discovered (answer-until-correct feedback). Learning from the test was assessed on a delayed cued-recall test. The results indicated that delayed feedback led to superior final test performance relative to immediate feedback. However, type of feedback did not matter: discovering the correct answer through answer-until-correct feedback produced equivalent performance relative to standard feedback. This research suggests that delaying the presentation of feedback after a test is beneficial to learning because of the spaced presentation of information.

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Crossref · 10.1037/1076-898x.13.4.273

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  • Delayed feedback produces superior retention relative to immediate feedback, at least in some cases.

    “recent research shows that, at least in some cases, delayed feedback produces superior retention relative to immediate feedback.27,31”

    From Test-enhanced learning in medical education (2008) · cites this paper as [31]

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Authors
Butler, A. C., Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L.
Affiliations
Washington University in St. Louis (US)
Venue
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied
Published
2007
Volume
13
Issue
4
Pages
273-281
ISSN
  • 1076-898X (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-2192
OpenAlex
W2122370331
Cited by
321
References
34
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 28 · 2019: 26 · 2018: 30 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 20 · 2012: 14
FWCI
4.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • James S. McDonnell Foundation
  • Institute of Education Sciences
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Education › Student Assessment and Feedback
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes
Keywords
feedback timing, delayed feedback, immediate feedback, multiple-choice tests, test-based learning, cued recall, prose reading
MeSH terms
Choice Behavior, Educational Measurement, Feedback, Humans, Learning, Time Factors

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