Glossary
Spacing Effect
What is the spacing effect?
The spacing effect is better later retention when learning opportunities are spread apart rather than packed together. The comparison concerns the schedule, not simply spending more time studying.
How much space?
Cepeda and colleagues' meta-analysis found that the useful gap depends on how long the material needs to be retained. No single interval is best for every task or test.
Example
A student could spread repeated reviews over a week instead of doing them all in one session. The schedule should fit when the material will be needed again.
The related lag effect concerns the length of the interval between learning opportunities.