3.Effects of retrieval practice for learning of foreign language vocabulary in Japanese university student

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26780356
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Educational psychology
• Research Institution: Aichi Gakusen University (2016); Nara University of Education (2014-2015)
• Principal Investigator: Yamada Yohei 愛知学泉大学, 家政学部, 講師 (50708518)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 検索練習 / 抑制 / 英単語学習

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In memorization of words, retrieval practice of previously studied items can produce better long-term retention than restudying the same items. However, retrieving a subset of learned items also impairs recall of related items from the study phase. Thus, efficient condition of memorization by retrieval practice was not clear. The current study examined a boundary condition that people efficiently develop their vocabulary in a foreign language. Specially, I focused a semantic similarity between retrieved words and non-retrieved words. Participants studied Japanese-English word pairs and then retrieved some of the studied pairs. Finally, a cued-recall test of all the studied pairs was conducted. The results showed retrieval practice facilitated later recall of nontested words of different synonym level from RP+ items, but not recall of nontested words of same synonym level as RP+ items. This finding suggests a boundary condition that people develop richer foreign language vocabularies.

Free Research Field

教育心理学