Errors Are The Stepping Stones to Learning: Trial-by-Trial Modeling Reveals Overwhelming Evidence for Mediator Retrievals of Previous Errors in Memory Consolidation
Bridget Leonard, Andrea Stocco, Holly Sue Hake · 2023
Recent studies suggest that errors facilitate learning in certain conditions. Despite this,reinforcement paradigms dominate learning methods, subscribing to the narrative that errorlesslearning is the foundation of an ideal learning environment. If we continue to view learning fromthis restrictive perspective, we may fail to capture and apply the benefits of errors. In this paper,we investigate two potential mechanisms of learning from errors. Participants (N = 61) learnedword pairs in either a study or error trial before taking a final test. Supporting past error learningliterature, errors before a study opportunity led to better performance on a final test. Differencesin reaction times between conditions support the theory that errors increase learning by acting asa mediator, or secondary cue, to the correct answer on subsequent tests. Individual differences inmodel fit using log-likelihood trial-by-trial calculations solidified support for the mediatormethod.