How Do Learner Characteristics Influence the Mnemonic Benefits of Retrieval Practice?

• In Event: If You Build It: Investigating Knowledge Construction and Generative Learning Strategies

Abstract

The benefit of engaging in retrieval practice generalizes across different groups of learners, but sometimes individuals do not benefit from this learning strategy. The present study explored whether two learner characteristics, need for cognition and structure building, influence the extent to which individuals benefit from retrieval practice, and whether any such relationship depends upon the complexity of the thinking required by the retrieval practice (higher-order versus lower-order). By creating two parallel versions of the retrieval practice paradigm, we hypothesized that these two constructs will influence the benefit of retrieval practice only when more complex thinking is required. A negative relationship between structure building and the magnitude of the retrieval practice benefit emerged in the higher-order but not the lower-order paradigm.

Authors

• Rachel N. Smith-Peirce, Washington University in St. Louis

• Stephanie Johnstone, University of Texas at Austin

• Andrew C. Butler, Washington University in St. Louis