Final answer:
The longer intervals between study sessions are associated with improved long-term memory retention and require fewer sessions overall. Short bursts of study with elaborative rehearsal and the self-reference effect enhance memory consolidation. Regular and spaced study sessions promote the shift from short-term to long-term memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The longer the time between study sessions, the better the long-term retention, and the fewer sessions you need!' reflects the concept of distributed practice in memory retention and the spacing effect. Extensive research, including the work of Ebbinghaus, has shown that spacing out learning sessions over a period of time is more effective for long-term memory consolidation than cramming all studies into one long session. This is because memory consolidation takes time, and providing intervals between study sessions allows for information to be better encoded into long-term memory.
Studying in small bursts of twenty to thirty minutes can help your brain better absorb the information, which is useful for writing and taking tests. Using the method of elaborative rehearsal by making the material personally meaningful can lead to better memory retention. The self-reference effect is also beneficial, as it creates a web of retrieval cues that can help you recall the information later. Finally, consistent rehearsal across spaced, organized study sessions is key to transfer information from short-term to long-term memory.