What does the principle of spaced repetition aim to achieve in exam preparation?

The principle of spaced repetition is designed to enhance long-term retention of information by reviewing material at specific intervals that gradually increase over time. This method takes advantage of the psychological spacing effect, which posits that information is more easily retained when study sessions are spread apart rather than crammed into a short, intensive period. By revisiting material after intervals, learners reinforce their memory and learning, leading to stronger retention as they engage actively with the content multiple times over a period. This technique is particularly effective in combating the forgetting curve, ensuring that information is transferred from short-term to long-term memory effectively.