Despite their reputation as suboptimal learning events, recent evidence has
shown that true-false tests can enhance learning and be optimized to
promote both retention and transfer (Brabec, Pan, Bjork, & Bjork, under
review). The present investigation examined whether true-false tests might
also function as effective pretests. Before reading two educational
passages, participants completed a conventional true-false pretest
regarding one of the passages. On a final cued-recall test, and relative to
control performance, the evaluation of true items (e.g., T/F? Rhea has its
own ring system.) enhanced the extent to which participants recalled tested
information (e.g., Which moon has its own ring system?), and the evaluation
of false items (e.g., T/F? The Cassini Division is the area between
Saturn’s A Ring and F Ring.) enhanced the extent to which participants
recalled related information (e.g., What is the area between Saturn’s A
Ring and B Ring?), a pattern consistent with prior observations. Although
future work should examine whether and how true-false pretests might be
further optimized, these findings lend further credence to the utility of
true-false tests as learning devices.