The Testing Effect and Why Quizzing Yourself Works

The testing effect refers to the finding that retrieving information from memory through self-testing and quizzing improves long-term retention more than just re-reading or re-studying the material.

The benefits of quizzing yourself include:

• It strengthens memory storage. Retrieving information requires activating memory traces, which strengthens and reinforces them.
• It identifies gaps in knowledge. Struggling to recall information shows you what you need to study more.
• It simulates real-life retrieval. In the real world, you have to recall information from memory to use it.
• It spaces out study sessions. Self-quizzing forces you to re-study the material at spaced intervals.
• It boosts confidence. Being able to recall what you've studied on your own builds confidence in your knowledge.

Some ways to self-quiz include:

1. Cover notes and try to recall facts, definitions, processes, etc.
2. Use flashcards and try to recall answers without looking.
3. Create practice tests and quizzes for yourself.
4. Have a study partner quiz you.
5. Use apps, websites and software that provide quizzes.

The more frequently and consistently you self-quiz, the greater the benefits will be for your long-term retention and memory of the material.