Have you ever wondered how information is best retained in our memory? Dive into the intriguing concept of the “spacing effect” to uncover the secrets of optimal information retention.
Read more: Understanding the Spacing Effect: Maximizing Memory RetentionReimagining Memory: Torkel Klingberg’s Perspective
Torkel Klingberg, in his book “The Learning Brain,” presents a compelling analogy of how memory works. While many picture memory as a photograph stored away, only to be retrieved at the right moment, Klingberg likens it to “drawing in the sand”. This image is not a precise replica of the original and is constantly eroded by the passage of time.
The Forgetting Curve: Ebbinghaus’s Contribution
This concept dovetails with the ‘forgetting curve’, a theory put forth by researcher Ebbinghaus. His findings suggest that without repetition, people tend to forget 80% of information within days. This highlights the indispensable role of repetition in staving off swift memory degradation. Scientists, recognizing this phenomenon, coined the term “spacing effect” to explain the strategy for maximizing memory storage.
Research Insights: Anders Bjorken’s Studies on Repetition
American psychologist Anders Bjorken and his research team argue that the initial repetition should occur shortly after the first encounter. The interval between subsequent repetitions should then progressively increase. Ideally, revisiting the information should happen when we retain about 90% of it. But when exactly is this moment? This question was explored by another researcher, Anders Bjork, in the 1970s. Involving 700 participants, Bjork discovered that repetition intervals of 1-4-10 days were more effective than a 5-5-5 days approach.
Supermemo: Digital Assistance for Memory Retention
Building on this knowledge, Piotr Wozniak developed Supermemo, a software solution stemming from his personal frustration with slow learning progress. Users can input learned information, and Supermemo calculates and reminds them when it’s time for revision.
The Overlooked Significance of the Spacing Effect
In “The Learning Brain,” Klingberg regards the spacing effect as one of the most overlooked psychological discoveries of the 20th century. He asserts that educational institutions could significantly elevate knowledge levels without demanding more time, leaning on insights like the Supermemo program. While much of the discussed theories emphasize knowledge repetition, such as vocabulary learning, applying them to complex scenarios like sports can be challenging. Julian Nagelsman articulately expresses this in an interview with the Correspondent, noting the risks of over-relying on ingrained patterns due to repetition.
Conclusion:
This article aims to highlight the importance of the spacing effect and the role of strategic repetition in memory retention. However, determining the perfect repetition strategy remains elusive and varies across contexts. Various viewpoints offer kernels of truth, and the choice of strategy ultimately depends on individual contexts and preferences.
Source
Klingberg, T., der, T.K. van and Gerrits, B. (2011) Het Lerende Brein: Over Het Werkgeheugen en de ontwikkeling van het brein. Amsterdam: Pearson Assessment and Information.