Learning from feedback: Spacing and the delay–retention effect.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0017407
• Publication Date: 2010-01-05T04:43:02Z
• Authors: Troy A. Smith; Daniel R. Kimball
• Keywords: Perseveration; PsycINFO; Cued speech; Negative feedback; Knowledge of results; Positive feedback; Cued recall

Most modern research on the effects of feedback during learning has assumed that is an error correction mechanism. Recent studies feedback-timing have suggested might also strengthen initially correct responses. In experiment involving cued recall trivia facts, we directly tested several theories and examined restudy retest trials following immediate delayed feedback. Results were not consistent with assuming only function to initial errors but instead supported a theoretical account delaying strengthens responses due spacing encoding opportunities: Delaying increased probability response perseveration final retention test had minimal or probabilities. 2nd experiment, varying lags between study, test, provided further support for hypothesis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).