The Testing Effect (Retrieval Practice): Definition, Evidence, and How To Use Quizzes

The testing effect, also called retrieval practice, is the reliable finding that actively recalling information produces better long-term memory than additional study of the same material. In education and psychology, this is sometimes referred to as test-enhanced learning or active recall. Classic experiments showed that taking practice tests strengthens memory more than rereading, even when the final exam is delayed by days or weeks Roediger & Karpicke, 2006. Replications demonstrate that retrieval practice benefits not only factual recall but also conceptual understanding and transfer Karpicke & Blunt, 2011.

In practical terms, low-stakes quizzes, self-tests, and short-answer prompts help learners retrieve and re-encode knowledge, improving retention and application across subjects. Major reviews rate practice testing as a high-utility learning technique for students and professionals alike Dunlosky et al., 2013 (PSPI).

Retrieval is a form of learning, not just a check of learning. When we reconstruct an answer from memory, we strengthen the pathways that make future recall more likely. This aligns with the idea of desirable difficulties: making learning slightly effortful can produce more durable outcomes than easy study activities Bjork Learning and Forgetting Lab (UCLA) and Bjork & Bjork, 2011.

Importantly, retrieval practice often outperforms elaborative strategies like concept mapping, even when the final assessment requires concept maps, suggesting that the act of retrieval itself drives deeper learning Karpicke & Blunt, 2011. Mechanistic accounts point to strengthened memory traces and better organization of knowledge, as reviewed in open-access summaries of the testing effect Endres et al., 2015.

Use the testing effect intentionally by designing frequent, low-stakes quizzes that align to learning goals, incorporate feedback, and revisit prior knowledge. The principles below translate research into practical settings for classrooms, training, and self-study.

1. Align to outcomes

   Start with clearly stated outcomes and write questions that elicit the target knowledge or skill. For a step-by-step build, see our guide to making an online quiz.
2. Keep it low stakes

   Use frequent, short quizzes that emphasize feedback over grading. Low pressure supports motivation and reduces test anxiety while still strengthening memory Dunlosky et al., 2013.
3. Mix formats

   Combine short answer or free recall with well-written multiple choice. Retrieval formats consistently beat restudy for long-term retention Brame, 2015.
4. Space and spiral

   Schedule items so key concepts return after increasing intervals. Spacing magnifies the benefits of retrieval Cepeda et al., 2006.
5. Provide feedback

   Offer brief, targeted explanations. Feedback guides metacognition and corrects errors Polack, 2022. For practical settings, see how to mark short answers.
6. Randomize and pool

   Use item banks and randomize selection and order to encourage retrieval, not memorization of positions. Our quiz tips playbook covers proven delivery patterns.
7. Design for integrity and access

   Favor authentic prompts, one-question-per-page with autosave, and accessible themes. See design effective online assessments.

Spacing practice across days and weeks boosts durable retention compared with massed practice (cramming). Meta-analyses and lab-to-classroom studies show that increasing the gap between study and re-test improves long-term recall, with optimal gaps growing as your target retention interval lengthens Cepeda et al., 2009; Cepeda et al., 2006. Practical guidance for teachers similarly recommends spacing and varied retrieval across lessons Education Research Guide.

Different formats can all produce a testing effect as long as they require genuine retrieval. Use the table to match goals to formats and avoid common pitfalls in item writing Brame, 2015; Butler, 2010.

Short, targeted feedback closes knowledge gaps and improves subsequent retrieval. Many instructors use immediate correctness with brief explanations for practice, then release fuller solutions after the quiz window closes. Summaries from higher education and medical education confirm that testing supports learning, not just assessment Polack, 2022.

Combine automatic scoring for objective items with rubric-based review for short answers. See how to mark an online quiz manually and our assessment design guide for integrity and fairness settings.

To demonstrate the value of retrieval practice, track both learning and engagement. A/B test restudy vs. retrieval across cohorts, compare delayed performance, and analyze item statistics.

Quizzes should be fair, inclusive, and accessible. Provide keyboard navigation, adequate contrast, meaningful link text, alt text for images, and time accommodations as needed. Align with WCAG 2.2 essentials and consider universal design for learning in your course policies. Our assessment guide describes practical patterns that support both inclusion and integrity Design Effective Online Assessments.

• Overgrading every quiz. Keep most quizzes low stakes to promote experimentation and reduce anxiety PSPI summary.
• One-and-done quizzing. Without spacing, benefits fade. Schedule returns to key ideas Cepeda et al., 2006.
• Shallow item design. Use scenario-based prompts to elicit application, not rote recognition Brame, 2015.
• Neglecting feedback. Brief explanations after attempts improve metacognition and later retrieval Polack, 2022.
• Too much restudy. Replace some rereading with retrieval to improve long-term retention Roediger & Karpicke, 2006.

Ready to apply the testing effect in your context? Use this short checklist and build your first banked quiz.

• Define outcomes and write 2 to 3 questions per outcome.
• Create a bank and randomize order and selection.
• Schedule a short self-check at end of lesson and again next week.
• Release brief feedback immediately; hold detailed keys until windows close.
• Run a delayed quiz at 3 to 4 weeks and compare results.
• Iterate based on item stats and learner feedback.
• Explore our how-to guide and evidence-backed quiz tips to refine delivery.