ERIC Number: EJ1267535
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Sep
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1931-7913
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Testing Effect on High-Level Cognitive Skills
Jensen, Jamie L.; McDaniel, Mark A.; Kummer, Tyler A.; Godoy, Patricia D. D. M.; St. Clair, Bryn
CBE - Life Sciences Education, v19 n3 Article 39 Sep 2020
The testing effect is one of the strongest learning techniques documented to date. Although the effects of testing on high-level learning are promising, fewer studies on this have been done. In this classroom application of the testing effect, we aimed to (1) determine whether a testing effect exists on high-level testing; (2) determine whether higher-level testing has an effect on low-level content retention; and (3) determine whether content knowledge, cognitive skill, or additional components are responsible for this effect. Through a series of two experiments, we confirmed a testing effect on high-level items. However, improved content retention due to testing was not observed. We suggest that this high-level testing effect is due to a better ability to apply specific skills to specific content when this application process has appeared on a previous exam.
Descriptors: Testing, Thinking Skills, Retention (Psychology), Science Tests, Biology, Introductory Courses, Undergraduate Students, Outcome Measures, Transfer of Training, Criterion Referenced Tests
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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