Examining the Roles of Retrieval Practice and Post-Retrieval Feedback in Learning Among Autistic Adults.

Retrieval practice enhances learning and is most effective when feedback is provided. Despite robust evidence that retrieval practice and post-retrieval feedback benefit numerous clinical populations, these techniques have not been studied in autism. In two experiments, we measured retrieval practice and post-retrieval feedback effects on associative memory in autistic and non-autistic adults residing in the United States. Participants attempted to memorize semantically unrelated word pairs, which were then reviewed during a practice phase consisting of retrieval practice with and without feedback. In Experiment 1, word pairs were presented to participants (40 autistic; 40 non-autistic) auditorily. In Experiment 2, stimuli were presented visually and restudy trials were added to the practice phase. Additionally, feedback for retrieval practice trials was manipulated between-subjects (80 participants per group) and a four-alternative recognition test was used in the practice phase. In both experiments, the testing phase consisted of cued recall. Both experiments yielded benefits of feedback following initial retrieval practice across groups. In addition, Experiment 2 demonstrated that both groups benefited from retrieval practice compared to restudy, even without feedback. Our results suggest that the well-documented effects of retrieval practice, particularly in concert with post-retrieval feedback, extend to support learning among autistic as well as non-autistic individuals.Lay AbstractEvery autistic person has their own unique sensory, perceptual, and social experiences that impact learning in different ways. Although many autistic learners have average or above-average IQ, individuals with a diagnosis of autism have an increased likelihood of co-occurring learning disabilities and episodic memory difficulties. These memory-related challenges make it especially important to identify strategies that can support learning in autistic populations. Retrieval practice may be one such strategy, which involves testing oneself on previously learned information. Notably, retrieval practice supports learning among many clinical populations who experience memory and learning difficulties, yet it has not been investigated among autistic learners. This study measured the effects of retrieval practice and post-retrieval feedback among autistic and non-autistic adults (40 per group in Experiment 1; 80 per group in Experiment 2) residing in the United States. The task was divided into three sections. First, participants completed a "learning" block where they attempted to memorize unrelated word pairings (e.g.,