Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Free or active recall is one of the simplest and most effective ways of studying. You can use it for language learning, learning anatomy, learning history - anytime you want to remember information in the long-term. But many students are either unaware of free recall or don't know how to do it very well.
In this video, I demonstrate free recall and explain a little bit about why it works.
Join my online learning community: benjaminkeep.com/community
00:00 Introduction
00:29 A demonstration of free recall.
2:07 Round two.
3:14 Recommended intervals.
4:00 Why does free recall work?
5:33 Troubleshooting the technique.
References:
On the superiority of free recall to elaboration, see:
Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science, 331(6018), 772-775. mrbartonmaths.com/resourcesnew/8.%20Research/Memory%20and%20Revision/Retrieval%20practice%20more%20effective%20than%20studying.pdf
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. science, 319(5865), 966-968.
http://psychnet.wustl.edu/memory/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Karpicke-Roediger-2008_Sci.pdf
Free recall is most effective only when the items have been "cleared" from your short term memory.
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2007). Repeated retrieval during learning is the key to long-term retention. Journal of Memory and Language, 57(2), 151-162.
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.558.9401&rep=rep1&type=pdf
On optimal spacing intervals, see:
Carpenter, S. K, Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H. K., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24, 369-378.
files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED536925.pdf
Free recall "enhances organizational processes". In other words, it reduces interferences and helps us to organize what we know.
Zaromb, F. M., & Roediger, H. L. (2010). The testing effect in free recall is associated with enhanced organizational processes. Memory & cognition, 38(8), 995-1008. link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.3758/MC.38.8.995
Free or active recall is one of the simplest and most effective ways of studying. You can use it for language learning, learning anatomy, learning history - anytime you want to remember information in the long-term. But many students are either unaware of free recall or don't know how to do it very well.
In this video, I demonstrate free recall and explain a little bit about why it works.
Join my online learning community: benjaminkeep.com/community
00:00 Introduction
00:29 A demonstration of free recall.
2:07 Round two.
3:14 Recommended intervals.
4:00 Why does free recall work?
5:33 Troubleshooting the technique.
References:
On the superiority of free recall to elaboration, see:
Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science, 331(6018), 772-775. mrbartonmaths.com/resourcesnew/8.%20Research/Memory%20and%20Revision/Retrieval%20practice%20more%20effective%20than%20studying.pdf
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. science, 319(5865), 966-968.
http://psychnet.wustl.edu/memory/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Karpicke-Roediger-2008_Sci.pdf
Free recall is most effective only when the items have been "cleared" from your short term memory.
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2007). Repeated retrieval during learning is the key to long-term retention. Journal of Memory and Language, 57(2), 151-162.
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.558.9401&rep=rep1&type=pdf
On optimal spacing intervals, see:
Carpenter, S. K, Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H. K., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24, 369-378.
files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED536925.pdf
Free recall "enhances organizational processes". In other words, it reduces interferences and helps us to organize what we know.
Zaromb, F. M., & Roediger, H. L. (2010). The testing effect in free recall is associated with enhanced organizational processes. Memory & cognition, 38(8), 995-1008. link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.3758/MC.38.8.995
