What study habit can support increased confidence and performance in exams?

Dedicating time to both active recall and spaced repetition is an effective study habit that can significantly enhance confidence and performance during exams. Active recall involves retrieving information from memory, which strengthens neural pathways and reinforces learning. When students regularly practice recall, they are more likely to remember the information when it matters, such as during an exam.

Spaced repetition complements active recall by systematically increasing the intervals between review sessions. This method leverages the psychological spacing effect, where information is better retained when it's reviewed over increasing intervals rather than crammed in a short period. By using both strategies, students can deepen their understanding of the material and retain information for longer periods, ultimately boosting their confidence as they feel better prepared for the exam.

In contrast, studying without break periods can lead to mental fatigue and decrease overall retention. Focusing solely on practice tests may not engage deeper learning processes, as it can lead to a superficial understanding of the material. Lastly, relying on last-minute reviews often raises anxiety levels and is less effective for long-term retention compared to a well-structured study plan that incorporates consistent and spaced study sessions. Thus, a combination of active recall and spaced repetition is key to developing a solid understanding and enhancing exam performance.