1. Effects of repeated retrieval on keyword mediator use: shifting to direct retrieval predicts better learning outcomes
- Author
-
Dikmans, M.E., Broek, G.S.E. van den, Klatter-Folmer, H.A.K., Dikmans, M.E., Broek, G.S.E. van den, and Klatter-Folmer, H.A.K.
- Abstract
29 juli 2020, Contains fulltext : 224751.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), Keyword mediators are an effective memory technique to encode novel vocabulary: learners link a novel word form to its meaning with a mental image that includes a keyword that resembles the word form (e.g., nyanya = tomato; keyword mnemonic: the ninja chops the tomato in half). Prior research suggests that such mediated form-meaning associations become less dependent on keywords after retrieval practice. The present study investigated if retrieval-induced decreases in mediator use predict word retention. Thirty participants learned novel vocabulary using experimenter-provided keywords and repeatedly retrieved the words from memory while thinking aloud. As expected, keyword use decreased with practice: learners stopped mentioning keywords for 21.6% of the words (on average after 8.27 retrievals). Shifting to direct, unmediated retrieval predicted higher form and meaning recall on a retention test after 6–8 days. Continuing retrieval practice until a shift has occurred to direct retrieval thus seems beneficial for retention.
- Published
- 2020