Final answer:
Re-wording the semester's notes from memory would most likely result in better retention for a final exam as it involves elaborative rehearsal and the self-reference effect, which are proven strategies to enhance memory. This deep processing method helps to make connections with existing knowledge, thereby improving recall.
Step-by-step explanation:
To remember more information during a final exam, re-wording the semester's notes from memory (option b) would most likely result in better retention. This technique aligns with the concept of elaborative rehearsal, as outlined by Fergus Craik and Robert Lockhart in their levels of processing theory.
By rewording notes from memory, one engages in a deeper level of processing, making connections between the new information and existing knowledge, rather than merely re-reading the notes (option d) or re-copying them word for word (option a).
Moreover, elaborative rehearsal, paired with the self-reference effect, suggests that making study material personally meaningful and connecting it with one's personal life can facilitate stronger memory retention. This would be achieved by re-phrasing the notes actively rather than passive techniques such as re-reading.
Consistent rehearsal over time and in spaced intervals, known as distributed practice, further enhances memory consolidation, making information more accessible during retrieval. Hence, active engagement like re-wording and re-phrasing, especially over multiple study sessions, is more effective than passively copying or reading notes.