What does "PhD" stand for?
AnswerDoctor of Philosophy
PhD abbreviates the Latin Philosophiae Doctor, Doctor of Philosophy, awarded in many fields.
Education · Facts & stats
Student facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about students and learning, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
What is the flat, square graduation cap called?
AnswerA mortarboard
The mortarboard is named for its resemblance to the flat board masons use to hold mortar.
Going deeper
Spreading study sessions out over time rather than cramming is linked to which effect?
AnswerThe spacing effect
The spacing effect shows that reviewing material across spaced sessions improves long-term memory.
What does "alma mater" literally mean in Latin?
AnswerNourishing mother
Alma mater means 'nourishing mother' and refers to the school or university someone attended.
Deliberately recalling information from memory, like self-quizzing, is called what?
AnswerRetrieval practice
Retrieval practice strengthens memory because pulling information out helps lock it in.
Expert level
Which German psychologist first described the "forgetting curve"?
AnswerHermann Ebbinghaus
In the 1880s Ebbinghaus tested his memory of nonsense syllables and charted how quickly memories fade.
What does the Latin honor "summa cum laude" mean?
AnswerWith highest honor
Summa cum laude means 'with highest honor'; magna cum laude is 'with great honor'.
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