Chapter Six: Test Taking Skills and Strategies

Effective test taking combines both art and science.
Systematic strategies can improve performance on multiple choice and essay tests.
The chapter will discuss strategies before, during, and after exams to reduce anxiety and enhance performance.

Identify your preferred test types (e.g., multiple choice vs. essay).
Understand the learning process in college, which occurs in three stages:
1. Information Acquisition: Gaining information from lectures and readings.
2. Studying: Reviewing that information.
3. Recall: Retrieving information during tests.
The chapter emphasizes strategies primarily relevant to the recall stage.

Understanding Test Formats:
- Recognition Test Questions: Multiple choice, true/false, and matching questions require recognition and do not necessitate producing answers independently.
- Recall Test Questions: Short answer and essay questions require you to recall and produce information on your own.
Study Techniques:
- Focus on the format of the test when studying; tailor your study habits accordingly.
- For recognition tests, reviewing notes and highlights may be sufficient.
- For recall tests, develop effective study habits like:
- Recitation: Repeatedly verbalizing the information to strengthen memory.
- Retrieval Cues: Creating memory hints such as keywords or acronyms to trigger recall.

Consider using index cards with questions on one side and answers on the other for self-testing.
Utilize electronic flashcards for interactive learning.
Paraphrasing information in your own words can indicate a deeper understanding and improve recall.

Retrieval Cues:
- Using category names or creating acronyms to connect related ideas can enhance memory retrieval during tests.
- Experiment with mnemonics or catchphrases to group related concepts.
Physical Preparation:
- Engage in light physical activity, like walking, before tests to reduce anxiety.
- Arrive early to the testing location for mental preparation and familiarity.

Take a brisk walk to invigorate cognitive function.
Have all necessary supplies ready (e.g., pencils, calculators).
Sit in the same seat as in class to improve memory recall due to environmental context.

Upon receiving the test, jot down recall cues or formulas that might slip your mind.
Prioritize answering questions you are confident about or that carry the most points to maximize potential scores.
If experiencing mental blocks, engage in associative recall by thinking of ideas related to the difficulty.
- Guided Retrieval can help recreate the study environment mentally.
- Switching Focus: Answer a different question to relieve pressure before returning to the tough one.

Utilize the process of elimination for clear wrong answers, focusing on the most probable choices.
Use test-wise strategies:
- Choose answers with qualifying words (e.g., usually, often) as they tend to be more accurate.
- Longer answers are often more complete and thus may be more correct.
- Middle options may be more likely to contain correct answers compared to first or last options.
Revising Answers: It's generally safe to change answers as studies show revising them can often result in better outcomes. But, excessive changes could indicate lack of preparation.

Review test results to identify strengths and weaknesses for future tests.
Reflect on which strategies worked or didn't work to refine future test preparation.