Why Quizzes Work:
The science of self-testing
Quizzes aren't just for measuring what you know—they're one of the most powerful tools for learning it.
The Surprising Truth About Quizzes
Most students think of quizzes as assessments—tools to measure what you've already learned.
But research shows something surprising: the act of taking a quiz actually creates learning. It's not just measurement—it's medicine.
This is called the testing effect: retrieving information from memory strengthens that memory more than additional study time.
Why Quizzing Is So Powerful
Research-backed benefits of self-testing
Strengthens Memory
Retrieving information from memory makes it more retrievable in the future
Roediger & Karpicke (2006): Testing produced 50% better retention than re-studying
Identifies Gaps
Quizzes reveal what you don't know, so you can focus study time effectively
Metacognitive awareness improves when students see their actual performance
Improves Transfer
Tested knowledge is more flexible and can be applied to new situations
Butler (2010): Testing enhanced transfer to new contexts more than additional study
Reduces Forgetting
Testing slows down the forgetting curve more than re-reading
Testing creates more durable memory traces that resist decay
Lowers Test Anxiety
Regular low-stakes quizzing makes high-stakes tests less stressful
Frequent testing normalizes the testing experience and builds confidence
Types of Quiz Questions
Different formats for different purposes
Cruxly generates multiple question types automatically from your photos.
Cruxly: Quizzes Made Effortless
The problem with quizzing? Creating questions is time-consuming. Most students skip it and default to re-reading—the least effective method.
Cruxly eliminates this friction. Photo your notes, and AI generates quiz questions in seconds. Multiple formats, multiple difficulty levels, all ready to go.
Combined with spaced repetition, you get all the benefits of quizzing with none of the setup work.
FAQ
Why is quizzing better than re-reading?
Re-reading creates an illusion of knowing (fluency). Quizzing forces actual retrieval, which strengthens the memory trace. The effort of recall is what produces learning.
What if I get questions wrong?
Getting questions wrong is valuable—as long as you get feedback. Incorrect retrieval followed by correct feedback creates a strong correction signal that helps learning.
How often should I quiz myself?
As often as practical. Multiple short quiz sessions beat one long session. Even brief self-quizzing while walking or waiting adds up.
Do I need to create my own quizzes?
Creating questions has some benefit (generation effect), but using pre-made quizzes still works. The key is retrieval practice, regardless of who created the questions.