What is the concept of "overlearning" in cognitive psychology?

The concept of "overlearning" in cognitive psychology refers to the practice of continuing to rehearse or study a skill or material even after achieving proficiency or mastery. This additional practice beyond initial mastery significantly enhances long-term retention and recall. The rationale behind overlearning is that it creates stronger memory traces in the brain, making it easier for individuals to retrieve information or perform skills under stress or when conditions are less than ideal.

For example, a musician might continue to practice a piece of music repeatedly even after they can play it flawlessly. This repetition solidifies their performance ability and reduces the likelihood of errors during a live performance. Essentially, overlearning helps to make the learned material more automatic, reducing cognitive load and freeing up mental resources for other tasks or incoming information.

The other choices do not capture the essence of overlearning. Studying material without breaks may not effectively enhance retention and could lead to burnout. Learning through distraction does not align with the concept of focused practice necessary for effective learning. Lastly, quickly reviewing material the night before an exam is more akin to cramming, which is typically less effective for long-term retention compared to the sustained practice associated with overlearning.