Final answer:
To study effectively for a test, it's best to use distributed practice rather than cramming all study into one lengthy session. This method enhances memory consolidation and understanding by spacing out study sessions over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Having learned much from your psychology class, you explain to Benjamin that it's much more effective for him to utilize distributed practice to study because it will help him to spread out the material over several days and therefore learn it more deeply. Distributed practice emphasizes the spacing of study sessions over time to enhance memory consolidation and prevent the limitations of cramming. When using distributed practice, students can employ several tactics to improve retention such as making flashcards, engaging in elaborative rehearsal by connecting new information with existing knowledge, and forming study groups to discuss the material.
By breaking the material down into manageable chunks and revisiting it over time, you encourage active recall and reinforce the memory. To make the learning more effective, one can apply the self-reference effect by rewriting the material in one's own words and linking it to personal experiences or previous knowledge. Regular rehearsals, review of the material, and the creation of concise outlines all support the concept that revisiting information in spaced intervals leads to better understanding and memory.