Ask "why is this true?" rather than just "what is this?"

Generate an explanation for why a fact or concept is true — the self-generated explanation is more memorable than the fact alone.

Why it works

Elaborative interrogation works because it links new information to existing prior knowledge — a process called elaborative encoding. A fact stored in isolation decays rapidly; the same fact integrated into a network of "why" connections becomes retrievable via many pathways. The self-generation of the explanation is important: looking up the answer produces much weaker encoding than struggling to construct it yourself.

How to do it

1. When you encounter a fact or concept you want to retain, pause and ask: "Why is this true? What causes this? How does it connect to what I already know?"
2. Generate your own explanation before seeking a provided one.
3. Write the explanation in one or two sentences — the act of articulating it consolidates it.
4. Link the new fact explicitly to two prior things you already know.

Evidence

Dunlosky et al. (2013)’s comprehensive review of study techniques rated elaborative interrogation as one of the higher-utility strategies, supported by multiple experiments showing retention advantages over passive reading. (rct)

The effect is larger when the learner has prior knowledge that the new information can connect to; for truly novel domains with no prior knowledge, elaboration is harder to generate and the benefit is smaller.

Sources

• Dunlosky et al. (2013), Improving students’ learning with effective study techniques, Psychological Science in the Public Interest

Common mistake

Asking "why?" and then immediately looking up the answer, which converts self-generation into passive reading and eliminates the encoding advantage.