Massed Practice

Learning typically occurs with repeated responses, such as in trial-and-error learning where correct responses are learned through the process of selective feedback and reward. Learning can also be structured so as to minimize errors in responding. It is in this context of repeated responding (i.e., the attempts of the learner to emit the correct response) that consideration is given to the number of responses that will be required in a given session or teaching lesson.

There are two basic forms of massed practice: positive massed practice and negative massed practice. Massed practice requires a relatively large number of responses to be emitted in a given time period. In positive massed practice, the purpose is to maximize learning of correct responses and to strengthen responding ...