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Cited by 307Memory Processes and InfluencesEducational methodologies and cognitive developmentVisual and Cognitive Learning Processes

Studies in retention.

Spitzer, H. F.·1939·Journal of Educational Psychology
DOI 10.1037/h0063404
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Abstract

The present investigation was planned with special reference to (1) the effect of recall on retention, (2) the relationship between the rate of forgetting and the ability of the subjects, and (3) the effect of item difficulty on the form of retention curves. PROBLEM The importance of retention is shown by the fact that growth or improvement in skills, knowledges, and attitudes is dependent upon the learner's retention of the effects of previous experience. The use of recall as an aid to retention has been emphasized by theorists on methods of study and by investigators in the field of memory. The lack of experimental evidence on the effect of recall on retention where conditions approach those of actual schoolroom practice prompted this investigation. The primary purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of recall on retention of facts which children acquire through reading when the materials and the methods of study are similar to those used in classroom situations. Two subsidiary problems of the investigation relate to the effect of item difficulty upon the form of retention curves and to the relationship between the learning ability of the students and the rate of forgetting. Related Research.—A number of experimental studies have dealt with various aspects of the problem of this investigation. Myers 8 found that immediate recall in the form of written reproduction was beneficial to later reproduction of a list of unrelated words. An indirect or incidental method of learning the words had been employed. * This article reports, in part, an investigation conducted by the writer as a

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  • Taking an initial test relatively early-before too much forgetting set in-helped performance more than a delayed initial test.

    “Further, taking the initial test relatively earlybefore too much forgetting set in-helped performance more than a delayed initial test.”

    From Practicing Retrieval Facilitates Learning (2021) · cites this paper as Spitzer 1939

  • Taking a test can at least partially immunize a learner against forgetting.

    “This pattern of results (since then demonstrated with other participant groups and other materials) has led researchers to suggest that taking a test can at least partially immunize a learner against forgetting.”

    From Practicing Retrieval Facilitates Learning (2021) · cites this paper as Spitzer 1939

  • Assessment tests are typically given weeks to months after learning events, when the effects of tests to promote memory are minimised.

    “Assessment tests are typically given weeks to months after learning events, when the effects of tests to promote memory are minimised.11”

    From Test-enhanced learning in medical education (2008) · cites this paper as [11]

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Authors
Spitzer, H. F.
Corresponding author
Spitzer, H. F.
Venue
Journal of Educational Psychology
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
1939-12
Volume
30
Issue
9
Pages
641-656
ISSN
  • 0022-0663 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-2176
DOI
10.1037/h0063404
OpenAlex
W2001308469
Cited by
306
References
6
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 13
FWCI
5.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Journal of Educational Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational methodologies and cognitive development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes
Keywords
retention, memory retrieval, forgetting, retention curve, item difficulty, learning ability, reading acquisition, children, memory, research methodology

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