学习与记忆研究领域关于测试效应的研究重新审视了“测试”的作用。测试除了是衡量学习程度的工具，它对学习的作用相当于甚至大于同等时间的“学习”；相对于重复学习，测试使学习者对学习的元认知判断更准确；学习过程中的自我测试虽然可能延缓学习的进程，但却可促进有效学习。课堂小测或培养学生自我测试策略有助于其知识更好地保持于长时记忆中。

Currently the researches on learning and memory paid close attention to the testing effect of memory, which enlightened people to reweigh the nature of test. Testing memory was not only a measurement of the degree of study but it could promote learning better than repeated encoding. Testing memory during study made more accurate JOL relative to study by rote. Although self-testing might to a certain extent slowed down the process of learning, it can actually realize efficient learning. The authors believed that giving tests during the class or encouraging students to use self-testing strategy could benefit the long-term performance.