Testing the testing effect on prolific: when retrieval practice fails to boost learning.

ABSTRACT: The testing effect-whereby retrieving information through testing improves long-term retention more than restudying-is one of the most robust and well-documented phenomena in educational psychology. However, its replicability in online crowdsourced settings remains uncertain. In this paper, we report two preliminary experiments examining whether the testing effect can be detected in studies conducted on Prolific, a platform widely used for behavioral and educational research. Although not conceived as direct replications, both studies relied on validated learning materials and incorporated key methodological features known to enhance the testing effect, including delayed posttests, corrective feedback, and both factual and application-based outcome measures. In both experiments, participan

SUBMITTER: Sigayret K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12894256 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature