Graduation Semester and Year

2007

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Daniel Kimball

Abstract

Current theoretical accounts of feedback timing effects on retention are problematic. Some predict that delayed feedback should lead to better retention; others predict that immediate feedback should lead to better retention. Previous empirical findings are unclear: Some studies have found an advantage for delayed feedback, some an advantage for immediate feedback, and some no difference. In three experiments involving new semantic learning, I tested the extent to which spacing and lag effects can account for these seemingly contradictory findings, based on predictions of the new theory of disuse (Bjork \& Bjork, 1992). Experiment 1 compared the effects of timing variations for repeated study trials, repeated test trials, and feedback trials. Experiments 2 and 3 examined the effects of restudy and retest trials following immediate and delayed feedback, and the impact of varying study-feedback lag. Results support the spacing hypothesis and challenge competing theories of feedback timing.

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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