Kent State: Study finds flash cards help memory

KENT -- Many of us used flash cards to study for tests and a new study at Kent State says we were on to something.

Dr. Katherine Rawson has been conducting a study on how best to study for tests and remember what you learned.

Researchers found that flash cards help improve memory, if you use them the right way.

"We found what we are calling the '3 plus 3 method' works best," says Dr. Rawson.

For vocabulary words with complex definitions, it is best to go over each word until you get them right three times. Then, after that, repeat the study session three more times.

"We found they will do fine on the test, and then remember the  material up to four months later," says Rawson.

Dr. Rawson is one of this year's recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists. She is one of 100 recipients and will travel to Washington to get the award.