New research from Iowa State University shows exactly how much better testing yourself is compared to re-reading. Spoiler: it’s not even close.

The Study That Ended the Debate

Researchers had students learn complex scientific material using two methods:

Re-reading group: Read the material multiple times
Testing group: Read once, then took practice quizzes

One week later, they tested everyone’s retention.

Results? The testing group remembered 50% more than the re-reading group.

Not 5% more. Not 10% more. FIFTY PERCENT MORE.

Why Quizzing Destroys Re-Reading

When you re-read, your brain tricks you. The material looks familiar, so you think you know it. Psychologists call this the “illusion of knowing.”

When you quiz yourself, you force your brain to actually retrieve the information. No hiding. No fooling yourself. You either know it or you don’t.

This retrieval process strengthens memory pathways in ways that passive reading never can.

The Cruxly Solution

This is why we built Cruxly — to make self-quizzing effortless.

Snap a photo of your notes
Our AI generates quiz questions instantly
Test yourself anywhere, anytime
Export to Anki if you want

No more wasting hours re-reading the same pages. Start testing yourself instead.

Join the waitlist at cruxlyai.app and stop studying the wrong way.

References

Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: Taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249-255.

Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science, 331(6018), 772-775.