People often think that easy tasks are better remembered than difficult ones. But how valid is this belief? In psychology, this is known as the “ELER bias,” which stands for “easily learned = easily remembered”. This concept explains the tendency to believe that what is learned easily is remembered better. But is this belief always true? Today, let’s dive deep into this fascinating topic.
ELER Bias: Are Easier Tasks Truly Better Remembered?
ELER bias makes us mistakenly believe that what we easily understand is better remembered. For example, think about preparing for a certification exam. The introduction is relatively easy and progresses smoothly, so we feel like ‘Oh, I’ve learned this!’. However, as we move into the main content, it becomes more difficult, and not only is memorization hard, but even understanding the material seems challenging. At this point, we often think that because it’s difficult, we haven’t learned it properly.
This is the essence of ELER bias. It creates the illusion that something understood easily is better learned. However, true learning requires going beyond understanding. One must be able to recall the learned material or explain it to others to truly say it has been learned.
Entity Theorists vs. Incremental Theorists: How Beliefs About Intelligence Impact Learning
ELER bias is also closely related to beliefs about intelligence. People are divided into entity theorists, who believe intelligence is innate, and incremental theorists, who believe intelligence can develop with effort. Interestingly, entity theorists are more susceptible to ELER bias. They tend to believe that what is learned easily is remembered better, while incremental theorists believe that challenging tasks are more memorable.
Research shows that entity theorists are more likely to judge that easy-to-understand tasks are better remembered. In contrast, incremental theorists strive to gain more from difficult tasks, and in the process, they remember more. This difference ultimately stems from the belief in the value of effort.
Those Who Believe in the Value of Effort Achieve Greater Success
The difference between entity theorists and incremental theorists also shows up in achievement. Incremental theorists challenge themselves with difficult tasks and grow through them. They are not afraid of failure and know that the more they struggle, the greater the reward they will receive. On the other hand, entity theorists tend to choose easy tasks to avoid failure, which leads to only small achievements.
Furthermore, entity theorists are more likely to overstate their accomplishments or diminish others’ successes. They value results over effort and are more prone to the temptation of cheating. In contrast, incremental theorists are not afraid of failure and take on more challenging tasks to improve themselves. It may be no surprise that they achieve greater success.
Conclusion: Difficult Tasks Are Remembered Longer
In the end, ELER bias only applies to those who choose easy tasks. Those who challenge themselves with difficult tasks achieve greater success and retain deeper memories. If you want to achieve more in your studies or work, consider viewing yourself as an incremental theorist and develop the habit of tackling difficult tasks. Don’t give up just because it’s hard and challenging. That task will help you grow and bring you greater rewards.