desirable difficulty
A learning condition that feels harder in the moment but produces better long-term retention. Examples include spaced practice, interleaving, and retrieval practice. Coined by Robert Bjork to explain why effective studying often feels less effective than ineffective studying.
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Related Terms
spacing effect
The finding that distributed practice over time produces bet...
interleaving
Mixing different topics or problem types during practice rat...
testing effect
The finding that taking a test on material enhances long-ter...
retrieval practice
Using active recall—testing yourself—as a learning technique...