Which technique is essential for effective long-term retention of studied material?

Active recall combined with spaced repetition is crucial for effective long-term retention of studied material. Active recall involves actively retrieving information from memory, rather than passively reviewing it. This process reinforces the neural connections associated with that information, leading to a stronger memory trace. Spaced repetition complements this technique by timing reviews of material at increasing intervals, which enhances retention over time. Research has shown that these methods engage the brain's learning processes more effectively than passive study techniques, enabling students to retain information for longer periods.

In contrast, techniques like listening to music while studying or reciting information without active involvement may not significantly contribute to deep learning or memory retention. Listening to music can be distracting for many, while passive recitation fails to engage critical thinking and assessment of knowledge, which are essential for understanding and remembering information. Reviewing material infrequently may lead to forgetting, as spaced repetition specifically aims to counteract this issue by revisiting material at strategically timed intervals to reinforce memory.