7 Science-Backed Study Methods That Actually Boost Retention

Elaborative Interrogation: Asking the Right Questions

Elaborative interrogation is a technique that involves asking "why" questions to deepen understanding and retention. By exploring the reasons behind facts and concepts, learners create meaningful connections with the material. This process prompts critical thinking and engages higher-order cognitive processes, which enhances memory retention. Research has shown that elaborative interrogation helps learners integrate new information with existing knowledge, leading to a more comprehensive understanding. This technique can be applied by questioning the rationale behind each piece of information, thus encouraging a deeper exploration of the subject matter. Through elaborative interrogation, learners can transform surface-level learning into profound comprehension.