In the experiment described by Dr. Medina a list of about 40 words was read to two groups of professional deep-sea divers. One of these groups was told the words while submerged under 10 feet of water, and the other group was told while standing dry on the beach. Both groups were then asked to remember their list of words in the conditions they heard them in and again in the condition of the other group. It doesn’t say which condition the recited the lists under first; their own or the condition of the other group. It was interesting to see that both groups remembered roughly 15% more of the words when they recited them under the same conditions in which they heard them (Medina 113).
These findings suggest that for more efficient retrieval of memories, it is best to memorize the information under the same conditions in which it will be utilized. This gives a clear understanding of why SAT, ACT, and other standardized scholastic tests suggest taking practice tests under similar conditions as those prescribed by the test as well as studying while under a self-given time constraint. If we can manage to study and create memories under pressured or stressful conditions, it will make it easier for us to recall that same information under similarly stressful conditions.
Medina, John. (2008). Brain rules. Seattle, WA: Pear Press.
