The Science Behind Test Taking



Traditional approaches of test preparation often involve long, boring study sessions, expensive practice books, and stressful cramming sessions. However, advancements in cognitive science and educational technology have paved the way for more effective, evidence-based methods.

Test Ninjas leverages the power of repetition, practice, and reinforced learning—all techniques deeply grounded in peer-reviewed research, to effectively help you improve your test scores.


The Power of Practice and Repetition

Cognitive scientists have long endorsed the power of practice and repetition, particularly when it comes to effective learning. This principle operates via two interconnected cognitive phenomena - the 'testing effect' and 'spaced repetition.'

The testing effect, a well-researched concept in cognitive psychology, posits that the act of retrieving an answer to a question repeatedly, not merely re-reading the information, strengthens memory retention [1].

Roediger and Karpicke (2006) conducted a study in which they found that students who took memory tests after learning a passage retained about 50% more information a week later compared to those who used methods such as re-reading or concept mapping.

Research study demonstrating the testing effect

The testing effect works hand-in-hand with another potent learning strategy known as spaced repetition. This strategy involves reviewing and retrieving information at increasing intervals over time. It is based on the spacing effect, which asserts that information is better remembered if learning is spread out over time rather than crammed into a single session.

Cepeda et al. (2006) conducted a comprehensive literature review and found that learners using spaced repetition significantly outperformed those who used massed practice (cramming) on final test performance, thus enhancing long-term recall [2].

Test Ninjas effectively incorporates these two cognitive phenomena into its platform. It allows learners to repeatedly practice a wide variety of SAT-style questions, thereby activating the testing effect. It also utilizes algorithms that strategically prompt users to revisit previously attempted questions after varying time intervals. This method essentially employs spaced repetition, reinforcing the information in the long-term memory of the learner.

Research study measuring recall for spaced conditions

This intelligent integration of the 'testing effect' and 'spaced repetition' caters to the individual learning curves of different users. By continually assessing user performance, Test Ninjas adapts the spacing of question repetitions to ensure optimal learning for everyone. This adaptability not only strengthens memory retention of the concepts tested but also equips learners with the skills necessary to tackle the unique question types found in the Digital SAT, thereby maximizing their test performance.

How spacing conditions affect recall


Reinforced Learning: Learning by Doing

One of the unique techniques that sets Test Ninjas apart is the use of reinforced learning. This is a learning method that uses adaptive feedback to improve understanding and performance. Just as a mirror reflects our appearance, allowing us to adjust and improve, feedback acts as a learning mirror. It shows us our strengths and weaknesses and guides us towards better performance.

Results of Reinforcement learning (adaptive sequencing)

Research has demonstrated that immediate feedback on a learner's performance can significantly enhance their learning process [3]. This immediate response helps learners quickly identify and correct their mistakes and fortify their correct understandings. Knowing not only what is correct or incorrect, but understanding why it is so, allows for a deeper level of learning.

Test Ninjas harnesses the power of this reinforced learning by providing immediate and detailed feedback on each practice question that a user attempts. This means that as soon as you answer a question, you will find out if your response is correct or incorrect and, importantly, you'll understand why. This approach allows users to identify and correct their misconceptions quickly, strengthen their correct understandings, and gradually improve their problem-solving strategies [4].

The continual feedback loop provided by Test Ninjas turns the process of preparing for a test into an active learning journey, rather than a passive cramming session [5,6]. By constantly learning from your mistakes and understanding the logic behind the correct answers, you are not only preparing for your upcoming test but also cultivating effective learning habits that will benefit you beyond the examination.


Techniques Backed by Peer-Reviewed Science

Test Ninjas is rooted in fundamental cognitive science of test-taking and learning. By making these research-backed methods accessible to learners, we are overhauling the process of test preparation and redefining what effective learning looks like in the digital age.

Works cited:

  • [1] Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-Enhanced Learning: Taking Memory Tests Improves Long-Term Retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249–255.
  • [2] Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). The Power of Testing Memory: Basic Research and Implications for Educational Practice. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 1(3), 181–210.
  • [3] Karpicke, J. D., & Bauernschmidt, A. (2011). Spaced retrieval: Absolute spacing enhances learning regardless of relative spacing. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 37(5), 1250–1257.
  • [4] Soderstrom, N. C., & Bjork, R. A. (2015). Learning Versus Performance: An Integrative Review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 176–199.
  • [5] Mettler E, Burke T, Massey CM, Kellman PJ. Comparing Adaptive and Random Spacing Schedules during Learning to Mastery Criteria. Cogsci. 2020 Jul-Aug;2020:773-779.
  • [6] Yang BW, Razo J, Persky AM. Using Testing as a Learning Tool. Am J Pharm Educ. 2019;83(9):7324. doi:10.5688/ajpe7324