ERIC Number: EJ1160628
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Four Semesters Investigating Frequency of Testing, the Testing Effect, and Transfer of Training
Foss, Donald J.; Pirozzolo, Joseph W.
Journal of Educational Psychology, v109 n8 p1067-1083 Nov 2017
We carried out 4 semester-long studies of student performance in a college research methods course (total N = 588). Two sections of it were taught each semester with systematic and controlled differences between them. Key manipulations were repeated (with some variation) across the 4 terms, allowing assessment of replicability of effects. Variables studied included frequency of tests (e.g., 2 vs. 8 in-class exams), the repetition of some and not other exam items (i.e., the testing effect), and variation of test items between the in-class exams and the final exam (e.g., identical items vs. controlled changes in items). Some studies also manipulated presence or absence of low-stakes quizzes. The repetition of test items generally led to better performance. However, we did not observe consistent superiority for items that were repeated exactly over those that were repeated in modified form; the reverse was more often the case. The effect of the low-stakes quizzes was minimal at best. Results are discussed in terms of memory and transfer of training models.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Student Evaluation, Testing, Incidence, Outcomes of Education, Transfer of Training, Academic Achievement, Test Items, Repetition, Memory, Statistical Analysis
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas (Houston)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A