Interesting study in the Scientific American today on mind matters.
In a series of experiments, they showed that if students make an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve information before receiving an answer, they remember the information better than in a control condition in which they simply study the information.
The authors of the “Dummies Guide” and “For Dummies” books have had this going for years. They start every chapter with a series of questions. In essence forcing the reader to prime their minds and improve retention.
The author mentions that next time you want to search for an answer online, take a guess first and then compare it with your online result. You learn more, even if you get it wrong.