The overt-retrieval advantage does not significantly differ by definition complexity (number of idea units), contrary to a retrieval-dynamics prediction¶
Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · causalr2·q3
Currency · newest study 2025 · checked against its sources 2026-10-21 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person
Subclaims¶
Reading the evidence codes
q is the design tier, i the impact, n the sample, and the kind with its r
the rigour judged within that kind: what each code means.
This claim: no standardized effect is recorded in observations/ for it yet, so no benchmark reading is possible.
q3 i? In both experiments, the practice modality × number of idea units interaction on criterion test performance was not significant. → Michelle L. Rivers 2025
Evidence¶
Michelle L. Rivers 2025¶
Michelle L. Rivers, Paige E. Northern, Sarah K. Tauber. (2025). Does Retrieval Demand Moderate the Effectiveness of Covert Retrieval Practice? Comparing Covert and Overt Retrieval Practice for Learning Key Terms and Definitions. Educational Psychology Review (2025) 37:61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10040-4
q3 · i? · causal · r2
Exploratory repeated-measures ANOVA in Experiment 1 on definitions with three versus four idea units: four-unit definitions were harder overall (ηp2 = 0.42), but "the interaction was not significant" (ηp2 = 0.001); Experiment 2 replicated (F(2, 188) = 0.10, p = 0.91).
"the main effect of idea units (three idea units M = 0.47, SE = 0.02; four idea units M = 0.37, SE = 0.03), F(1, 48) = 34.21, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.42. However, the interaction was not significant, F(2, 96) = 0.04, p = 0.96, ηp 2 = 0.001."
Discussion¶
Related Claims¶
- Overt retrieval practice produces higher delayed recall of definitions than covert retrieval practice for learners studying declarative concepts — related
- Transfer across response formats is incomplete: practicing terms benefited definition recall, but practicing definitions showed no overt-over-covert advantage on a term test — related
- Overt retrieval also outperforms covert retrieval for key terms, but with a smaller advantage than for definitions — related
- Both overt and covert retrieval practice outperform restudy when practice and test match (the testing effect) — related
- Covert retrieval is the most time-efficient practice strategy, yielding the largest gains per minute of practice for both terms and definitions — related
Page metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
type |
claim |
id |
overt-advantage-not-moderated-by-idea-units |
title |
The overt-retrieval advantage does not significantly differ by definition complexity (number of idea units), contrary to a retrieval-dynamics prediction |
description |
The overt-retrieval advantage does not significantly differ by definition complexity (number of idea units), contrary to a retrieval-dynamics prediction |
status |
review |
evidence_strength |
moderate |
newest_evidence |
2025 |
source_checked |
2026-10-21 |
generated |
by process:wiki-ingest on 2026-10-21 |
trust |
unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content |
sources |
1 — michelle-l-rivers-2025 |
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