Why do we retain information better when we learn it over a long time period?
Spacing Effect
, explained.What is the Spacing Effect?
The spacing effect demonstrates that learning is more effective when repeated in spaced repetitions. By repeating and spacing out the information that individuals learn, they can better recall that information in the future.1
Where this bias occurs
The spacing effect is broadly applicable to many fields but mainly has implications for educational practices. A typical example of the spacing effect can be seen in the different ways students study for courses and exams.
The spacing effect occurs when information is repeatedly learned over a spaced-out long period, resulting in an individual being able to better recall and remember the information being learned. The effect demonstrates that more information is encoded into our long-term memory when studied in spaced-out sessions, a process commonly referred to as spaced repetition or spaced practice. Students who use flashcards and have study techniques that extend over long periods are utilizing the spacing effect to learn.1 This contrasts with retaining information by mass presentation — a study habit more commonly referred to as cramming, which is the act of intensely absorbing large amounts of information in a short period.1
The spacing effect is part of a family of memory effects, referred to as the 'distributed-practice family', that deal with the impact of studying, reviewing, and testing the same thing several times. Other closely related phenomena in the family include the lag effect and the testing effect.2
The lag effect suggests that we retain information better when there are longer breaks between repeated presentations of that information. More specifically, our ability to retain information follows a U curve relative to time; short spacing results in lower recall than moderate spacing, but retention begins to decline again when that spacing becomes longer. The testing effect refers to how actively recalling information through testing improves long-term retention more effectively than additional study or review. Practically, this means that learning and memory are facilitated by including practice tests when revising.3 Together, these memory theories constitute a highly effective toolbox of approaches that individuals can use to improve learning and education outcomes across various contexts.
