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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory

Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory

Published on: June 14, 2019

Testing during study insulates against the buildup of proactive interference.

Karl K Szpunar¹, Kathleen B McDermott, Henry L Roediger

¹Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. karl.szpunar@wustl.edu

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition

|November 5, 2008

Summary

Retrieval practice, or taking tests, helps long-term memory retention. Tests can prevent memory interference during extended study sessions, improving learning strategies.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Educational Psychology
Neuroscience

Background:

The testing effect, where retrieval practice enhances long-term retention, is a widely researched memory phenomenon.
Testing can benefit memory directly by engaging retrieval processes and indirectly by guiding future study.
Extended study can lead to proactive interference, hindering memory recall.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate a novel benefit of testing on memory retention.
To examine how interpolated tests affect memory during extended study sessions.
To understand the role of testing in mitigating proactive interference.

Main Methods:

Four experiments were conducted to assess the impact of testing on memory.
Participants engaged in study sessions, with some sessions including interpolated tests.
Proactive interference was measured as a function of study duration and test frequency.

Main Results:

Extended study sessions resulted in a buildup of proactive interference.
Interpolating tests during study sequences significantly reduced proactive interference.
Testing acted as a protective mechanism against the negative effects of prolonged study.

Conclusions:

Testing provides a unique benefit by insulating against proactive interference during extended study.
Integrating tests into study schedules can optimize learning and improve long-term retention.
These findings offer valuable insights for developing effective study strategies.