Use the ‘Production Effect’ to Study More Effectively

Did you know you can customize Google to filter garbage? Follow these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source of technology news.

I’m going to say something that seems contradictory at first, although I swear it ultimately makes sense: You should always study in silence, but a little noise can be helpful for remembering things. Specifically, your noise can be helpful, i.e. when you speak out loud. If you practice the “production effect,” it can help you remember what you study. Here’s how to use it the next time you’re trying to remember something difficult.

What is the production effect?

The production effect refers to what happens when you use vocalization as a mnemonic to improve your memory of a new concept. Basically, your memory favors words you read aloud more than words you read silently. When you speak out loud, you are produce something with your hardware, hence the name. Research has also shown that the more distinct things you produce, the better you will remember what you say. So it is more helpful to speak loudly or even sing the new information than to simply read it out loud.

How to capitalize on the production effect during studies

You have several options for trying this for yourself in a study session. At the most basic level, you can read your notes or textbook out loud, but in line with research supporting the value of distinctiveness, I recommend going further.

You can always rely on the Feynman technique, where you teach someone else the material you are studying and make sure you do it out loud. I’ve previously recommended using ChatGPT to use the Feyman method, but if you’re trying to exploit the production effect, it won’t be enough this time. You can practice with the AI ​​multiple times if you need to or if no one else is around to study, but you should go over it out loud at least once with someone else.

Also try incorporating the production effect into your flashcard use. When using the Leitner system, for example, read your flashcards aloud yourself. This approach is strong because it does not depend on anyone else’s participation. You don’t need someone else to capitalize on the value of the production effect and, in fact, it’s usually better to study alone because you avoid distractions, delays due to someone else’s schedule, or lack of enthusiasm.

I’ve already recommended creating a “personal podcast” for your studies as well, and it’s useful here not only because it gives you something to listen to over and over again until you understand it, but also because you have to do it. talk the material the first time, giving the whole exercise a production effect. It’s your two-for-one option and, provided you have the patience to write and read your materials, record them and listen to them repeatedly, it’s probably the best.