A new study by UC Irvine neurobiology professor Michael Yassa indicates that repetition may have negative effects on memorization, at least when it comes to remembering details.

Repeating information improves recall of main themes and factual content, but can actually damage recollection of nuanced details. During the study, subjects were tested on their memories of images -- multiple views made it harder for participants to reject “imposter” pictures of similar subjects with changed details.

While Yassa and his student Zacharaiah Reagh approached their study with neurobiology and memory in mind, the results have broader implications when it comes to education. What kinds of learning best reinforce memories? Does repetition make it harder to recall details?

Guest:

Michael Yassa, assistant professor, in the department of Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of California, Irvine