Why recall speed matters more than depth in exams
Feb 21, 2026
Candidates often equate preparation with understanding. However, exams test retrieval under pressure, not conceptual depth alone.
“Delayed recall creates unsafe hesitation, even when knowledge is present.” - A/Prof George Eskander
Why slow recall costs marks
Slow recall leads to:
- hesitation
- incomplete answers
- loss of structure
- missed red flags
- reduced examiner confidence
Even strong candidates underperform when retrieval is inefficient.
How recall speed improves safety
Fast recall allows candidates to:
- recognise patterns early
- act decisively
- maintain structure
- verbalise clearly
- manage time effectively
Recall speed supports both safety and clarity.
Conclusion
Depth of knowledge supports practice but recall speed determines exam performance. Strengthening retrieval improves reliability under pressure.
Reference
Karpicke JD, Roediger HL. The critical importance of retrieval for learning. Psychological Science. 2008.
