What is the rationale behind using spaced repetition in studying?

The rationale behind using spaced repetition in studying lies in its ability to enhance long-term retention and recall of information over time. This technique leverages the psychological spacing effect, which suggests that information is better remembered when study sessions are spaced out rather than crammed.

By revisiting material at strategically increasing intervals, learners reinforce their memory pathways, leading to stronger and more durable retention. This method is particularly effective because it aligns with how the brain processes and consolidates information, allowing for more efficient learning as it helps to prevent forgetting. As a result, students can retrieve information more effectively when needed, such as during exams, because the information has been reinforced and is more embedded in their memory.

In contrast, while memorization speed, multi-subject study, and the frequency of reviews have their own advantages, they do not encompass the core benefit of spaced repetition, which specifically focuses on improving recall over an extended period.