Retrieval Practice and Volitional Task Continuation: Testing Can Increase the Likelihood of Choosing to Review Over Taking a Break

In a pre-registered experiment, we investigated the effect of retrieval practice on the likelihood of choosing to review over taking a break (i.e., volitional task continuation). Participants studied lists of foreign language vocabulary word pairs under one of three conditions. In the study-once condition, participants first studied a filler list before studying a critical (to-be-tested) list of word pairs. In the restudy condition, participants studied the critical list twice. In the retrieval condition, participants studied the critical list once and then they received a retrieval practice test. Before taking a final cued recall test, all participants were first presented with a choice: Either review the vocabulary list one more time, or take a break. We found that prior retrieval practice increased participants’ subsequent likelihood of choosing to review. Exploratory analysis suggested that the increased likelihood to continue learning following retrieval practice could be the result of (a combination of) enhanced metacognitive monitoring and achievement motivation.