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A robust finding within laboratory research is that structuring information as a test confers benefit on long-term retention-referred to as the testing effect. Although well characterized in laboratory environments, the testing effect has been explored infrequently within ecologically valid contexts. We conducted a series of 3 experiments within a very large introductory college-level course. Experiment 1 examined the impact of required versus optional frequent low-stakes testing (quizzes) on student grades, revealing students were much more likely to take advantage of quizzing if it was a required course component. Experiment 2 implemented a method of evaluating pedagogical intervention within a single course (thereby controlling for instructor bias and student self-selection), which revealed a testing effect. Experiment 3 ruled out additional exposure to information as an explanation for the findings of Experiment 2 and suggested that students at the college level, enrolled in very large sections, accept frequent quizzing well. (PsycINFO Database Record

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pertaining to healthy sleep. 7 Unfortunately, the amount of time devoted to information about sleep in these courses may be as little as one hour of lecture.In the past 10 years, use of the Internet among all segments of the population has been increasing rapidly. Educational uses have been growing and online college courses and degree programs are offered by many prestigious institutions. Educational Introduction: Knowledge regarding the importance of sleep in health and performance and good sleep hygiene practices is low, especially among adolescents and young adults. It is important to improve sleep literacy. Introductory psychology is one of the most highly enrolled courses at colleges and universities. This study tested the impact of an Internet-based learning module on improving sleep literacy in this venue. Methods: An Internet-based supplementary learning module containing sleep physiology and hygiene information was developed using content from the Harvard Medical School sleep educational website http://www.understandingsleep.org. Access to the module was provided as an extra credit activity for 2 of 4 sections (Supplemental Sleep, SS, N = 889) of an introductory college psychology course during their standard instruction on sleep and dreaming. The remaining 2 sections (Standard Instruction, SI, N = 878) only were encouraged to visit the website without further direction. Level of knowledge was assessed before and after availability to the module/website and at the end of the semester. Students were asked to complete a survey at the end of the semester inquiring whether they made any changes in their sleep behaviors.Results: Two hundred fi fty students participated in the extra credit activity and had data available at all testing points. Students in the SS Group had a signifi cant improvement in sleep knowledge test scores after interacting with the website in comparison to the SI group (19.41 ± 3.15 vs. 17.94 ± 3.08, p < 0.001). This difference persisted, although at a lower level, at the end of the semester. In addition, 55.9% of the SS group versus 45.1% of the SI group indicated that they made changes in their sleep habits after participation in the extra credit sleep activity (p < 0.01). The most common change was a more consistent wake time. S C I E N T I F I C I N V E S T I G A T I O N SP oor sleep habits are common among college students, and the prevalence of sleep problems is high.1-3 In a recent survey of students at a large public university, 33% of respondents had a sleep latency of more than 30 min, and a similar percentage reported being tired during the day.2 Approximately half of those surveyed reported using a sleep aid (white noise, fan, music, medication). Not surprisingly, energy drink consumption among college students also is high, with 51% using more than one drink per month. Two-thirds of those using energy drinks did so to mitigate the effects of insuffi cient sleep. Although there is some recognition among educators of the benefi ts of promoting better sleep habits among col...

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