What is the spacing effect?

The spacing effect refers to the phenomenon where information is better remembered when learning sessions are spaced out over time rather than when they are crammed together in a short period. This effect suggests that distributing study sessions allows for better retention because it provides time for the brain to consolidate the information. When studying is spread out, it also allows for repeated retrieval practice and the reinforcement of memory pathways, which enhances long-term retention.

In contrast, crammed study sessions can lead to a short-term boost in recall, but often result in poorer retention in the long run. Additionally, while visual aids can enhance learning and memory for some individuals and types of information, they do not inherently relate to the spacing effect specifically. The principle that retention increases with longer study durations may not necessarily apply, as the spacing of studies has been shown to be more effective than merely extending study time without breaks.