Spacing Effect
Open Access

Spacing Effect

We remember things better when repeated over time and across environments

We forget quickly, but the greater the number of cognitive associations we develop with an idea, the more likely we’ll remember it forever…

Butler et. al., (2014). Integrating cognitive science and technology improves learning in a STEM classroom. Educational Psychology Review.

The study

Impact

The problem

Potential impact

The study

The studies

Setup

Setup

40 students were taught a topic and either given the respective homework once instantly or 3 times over the next 3 weeks. They then had an exam a month later.

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Results

Results

Those who had the homework spaced out over time performed much better in the exam than those who were asked to do it immediately  after learning.

Study graph

Setup

40 students were taught a topic and either given the respective homework once instantly or 3 times over the next 3 weeks. They then had an exam a month later.

Results

Those who had the homework spaced out over time performed much better in the exam than those who were asked to do it immediately  after learning.

Study graph

Setup

Results

Study graph

Setup

Results

Study graph

Setup

Results

Study graph
np_read_2490885_000000

Jerome's Expert View

Key Takeaways

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1

Spread out the learning.

Research shows that spaced repetition is the most robust means of learning but is rarely used by companies. Most knowledge is delivered once and forgotten, wasting money and time. Develop shorter learnings spread over time, using different tools, both digital and physical.

Takeaway image
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2

Use it or lose it.

Knowledge only sticks when we use it. After reading a book chapter, summarize learnings into bullet points, a list of actions, or even better, become the teacher. Blinkist could send some simple interactive questions after readers have finished a book. Use Slack app QuickQuiz to follow up Lunch & Learns with a Tiny Habit of bite-size questions. 

Takeaway image
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3

Make progress trackable.

Learnings apps like Duolingo and Memrise create powerful Feedback Loops through points systems, daily goals and leaderboards to create positive reinforcement. Tracking progress gives us a sense of growth and improvement.

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Takeaway image

Boundary conditions

No items found.

Future questions

No items found.
np_read_2490885_000000

Butler et. al., (2014). Integrating cognitive science and technology improves learning in a STEM classroom. Educational Psychology Review.

Spacing Effect

Spacing Effect

We remember things better when repeated over time and across environments

We forget quickly, but the greater the number of cognitive associations we develop with an idea, the more likely we’ll remember it forever…

The study

Setup

40 students were taught a topic and either given the respective homework once instantly or 3 times over the next 3 weeks. They then had an exam a month later.

Results

Those who had the homework spaced out over time performed much better in the exam than those who were asked to do it immediately  after learning.

study graph

Butler et. al., (2014). Integrating cognitive science and technology improves learning in a STEM classroom. Educational Psychology Review.

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Nuggets

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Open access, foundational Nuggets

Scarcity

Scarcity

We value things more when they’re in limited supply

Social Proof

Social Proof

We copy the behaviors of others, especially in unfamiliar situations

Prospect Theory

Prospect Theory

A loss hurts more than an equal gain feels good

Reciprocity

Reciprocity

We’re hardwired to return kindness received

Framing

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We make very different decisions based on how a fact is presented

Loss Aversion

Loss Aversion

We feel more negative when losing something than positive when we get it

Self-Expression

Self-Expression

We constantly seek out ways to communicate our identity to others

Default Effect

Default Effect

We tend to accept the option pre-chosen for us

Priming

Priming

Our decisions are shaped by memories recalled from things just seen or heard

Anchoring

Anchoring

What we see first affects our judgement of everything thereafter

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© 2013-24 Coglode
Nuggets

Snack on these...

Open access, foundational Nuggets

Scarcity

Scarcity

We value things more when they’re in limited supply

Social Proof

Social Proof

We copy the behaviors of others, especially in unfamiliar situations

Prospect Theory

Prospect Theory

A loss hurts more than an equal gain feels good

Reciprocity

Reciprocity

We’re hardwired to return kindness received

Framing

Framing

We make very different decisions based on how a fact is presented

Loss Aversion

Loss Aversion

We feel more negative when losing something than positive when we get it

Self-Expression

Self-Expression

We constantly seek out ways to communicate our identity to others

Default Effect

Default Effect

We tend to accept the option pre-chosen for us

Priming

Priming

Our decisions are shaped by memories recalled from things just seen or heard

Anchoring

Anchoring

What we see first affects our judgement of everything thereafter

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