title: Effects of reinforcement on test-enhanced learning in a large, diverse introductory college psychology course.
abstract: A robust finding within laboratory research is that structuring information as a test confers benefit on long-term retention-referred to as the testing effect. Although well characterized in laboratory environments, the testing effect has been explored infrequently within ecologically valid contexts. We conducted a series of 3 experiments within a very large introductory college-level course. Experiment 1 examined the impact of required versus optional frequent low-stakes testing (quizzes) on student grades, revealing students were much more likely to take advantage of quizzing if it was a required course component. Experiment 2 implemented a method of evaluating pedagogical intervention within a single course (thereby controlling for instructor bias and student self-selection), which revealed a testing effect. Experiment 3 ruled out additional exposure to information as an explanation for the findings of Experiment 2 and suggested that students at the college level, enrolled in very large sections, accept frequent quizzing well. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Trumbo
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico.
authors.forename: Kari A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Leiting
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McDaniel
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico.
authors.forename: Gordon K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Hodge
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities