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A short-term testing effect in cross-language recognition
Peter P J L Verkoeijen1, Samantha Bouwmeester, Gino Camp
1Department of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P. O. Box 1738, NL-3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. verkoeijen@fsw.eur.nl
Psychological Science
|April 28, 2012
Summary
Retrieval practice, or taking a memory test, enhances long-term retention more than restudying. This testing effect is observed even when switching languages between learning and testing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Memory
- Bilingualism Research
Background:
- The testing effect demonstrates that retrieval practice improves memory retention compared to restudying.
- Existing theories suggest testing enhances semantic memory features, while restudying boosts surface features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the testing effect persists across a language switch.
- To test the hypothesis that testing strengthens semantic memory traces, facilitating recall even in a different language.
Main Methods:
- Dutch-English bilinguals studied Deese-Roediger-McDermott word lists via restudying or retrieval practice.
- A recognition test was administered in either Dutch (within-language) or English (across-language) after a 5-minute interval.
Main Results:
- A significant testing effect was found in the across-language condition (Dutch to English).
- No significant testing effect was observed in the within-language condition (Dutch to Dutch).
Conclusions:
- The findings support the novel account that testing strengthens semantic memory features.
- Language switching during testing may reveal the deeper, semantic processing enhanced by retrieval practice.
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