Final answer:
The spacing effect, first studied by Hermann Ebbinghaus, is a psychological phenomenon where information is retained more effectively when learning sessions are spaced over time, as opposed to massed in a short interval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the spacing effect was first researched by Hermann Ebbinghaus, a pioneer in the study of memory. In his 1885 study, Ebbinghaus conducted experiments on himself by memorizing lists of nonsense syllables and then testing his recall over varying periods, ranging from 20 minutes to 30 days. His findings led to the formulation of the forgetting curve, which illustrates that memory retention declines sharply over time, with about 50% of information forgotten after 20 minutes and up to 70% lost after 24 hours.
This discovery by Ebbinghaus has significantly impacted our understanding of memory and learning. It has practical applications in educational psychology, suggesting that spaced repetition can improve learning and retention. The spacing effect suggests distributing study sessions over time, rather than cramming, to enhance memory recall.
The spacing effect is now a key concept in mnemonic techniques and has influenced modern educational practices, emphasizing the importance of revision and spaced learning for effective memorization and long-term retention of information.