Improving retrieval

The present research investigated whether ability for retrieval might be improved by practice at retrieval. Retrieval practice trials, each of 10 min duration, required subjects to attempt to recall as many examples as possible of a designated category. Two kinds of practice were investigated. Subjects given general practice attempted to recall a different category on each successive practice trial. Subjects given specific practice attempted to recall the same category on each successive practice trial. General practice had a negligible effect on recall, even when subjects practised daily for over a month. In contrast, specific practice substantially improved recall, facilitating retrieval of 50 to 100 per cent of all the example subjects known for a category.