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Related Concept Videos

Framing Effects03:26

Framing Effects

Information is everywhere and its presentation—such as how and when items are presented—can impact our perceptions and decisions surrounding the info. This broad concept umbrellas framing effects—influences that occur due to the way information is framed in its appearance, whether it’s purely the order or the specific wording of a message. Let’s take a look at numerous ways in which two versions of something can objectively say the same thing, yet we respond in different ways based on the...
The Uncertainty Principle04:08

The Uncertainty Principle

Werner Heisenberg considered the limits of how accurately one can measure properties of an electron or other microscopic particles. He determined that there is a fundamental limit to how accurately one can measure both a particle’s position and its momentum simultaneously. The more accurate the measurement of the momentum of a particle is known, the less accurate the position at that time is known and vice versa. This is what is now called the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. He mathematically...
Band Theory02:35

Band Theory

When two or more atoms come together to form a molecule, their atomic orbitals combine and molecular orbitals of distinct energies result. In a solid, there are a large number of atoms, and therefore a large number of atomic orbitals that may be combined into molecular orbitals. These groups of molecular orbitals are so closely placed together to form continuous regions of energies, known as the bands.
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Conductor, Semiconductor,...
Radical Formation: Abstraction00:47

Radical Formation: Abstraction

The electron of an atom can be abstracted from a compound by a relatively unstable radical to generate a new radical of relatively greater stability. For example, an initiator which forms radicals by homolysis can abstract a suitable species like a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom from a compound to generate a new radical. This ability of radicals to propagate by abstraction is a crucial feature of radical chain reactions.
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Principle of Moments01:20

Principle of Moments

The principle of moments, also known as Varignon's theorem, is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering that describes the equilibrium of a rigid body under the influence of external forces. The principle states that the moment of a force about a point is equal to the sum of the moments of the components of the force about the same point.
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Structuralism

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Related Experiment Video

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Sometimes less is more: Commentary on Bernstein and Frantz (2026).

David G Myers1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Hope College.

The American Psychologist
|February 17, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Introductory psychology students forget much information. Educators should prioritize teaching memorable, life-relevant big ideas using storytelling and demonstrations for better retention.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Background:

  • Students often forget a significant portion of introductory psychology content.
  • Traditional curricula may not effectively convey the most crucial, life-relevant concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To support the argument for focusing on core, memorable ideas in introductory psychology.
  • To provide examples of essential psychological concepts and topics suitable for deferral.

Main Methods:

  • Review and affirmation of existing commentary on psychology education.
  • Inclusion of illustrative examples for key psychological concepts.
  • Identification of topics appropriate for advanced courses.

Main Results:

  • Agreement with the premise that much introductory psychology material is forgotten.

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  • Identification of "big ideas" in psychology that are life-relevant and memorable.
  • Categorization of specific topics for introductory versus advanced study.

    • Conclusions:

    • Educational psychology should emphasize memorable, "big ideas" over exhaustive coverage.
    • Storytelling and demonstrations are effective pedagogical tools for enhancing student learning and retention.
    • Curriculum design should prioritize enduring, applicable knowledge in introductory courses.