What is a documented benefit of using practice tests according to educational research?

Using practice tests has been widely documented in educational research to significantly improve retention and understanding of material. This enhancement is attributed to several factors, including the testing effect, which suggests that the act of retrieving information helps to strengthen memory. When students engage in practice tests, they not only assess their current knowledge but also reinforce their learning by actively recalling information, which promotes deeper cognitive processing.

Moreover, practice tests can help identify gaps in knowledge that may not be obvious through passive studying methods, directing students to focus their efforts more efficiently. By actively engaging with the material, students are more likely to integrate and retain the concepts, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding.

In contrast, the other options suggest negative outcomes associated with practice tests, which do not align with the established benefits shown in research. Therefore, the substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of practice tests in enhancing student performance underscores why improving retention and understanding of the material is the documented benefit.