Elaborative Interrogation

Shrink Definition

Elaborative interrogation is a study technique of asking why a fact is true and answering it, connecting new information to what you already know. Generating explanations for facts makes them more meaningful and easier to remember. It works best when you have some background knowledge to link to. Asking why turns memorizing into understanding.

Plain language

Studying by asking why a fact is true and answering it.

Shrink Insight

A fact you can explain is a fact you can keep.

Why it matters

It turns rote facts into connected understanding that lasts. Asking why links new material to what you already know.

Common misunderstanding

People think memorizing facts is enough to learn them. Explaining why they're true makes them far more memorable.

Shrink Perspective

Understanding is memory with reasons attached.

Shrink Reflection

What am I memorizing that I could instead explain?

Shrink Step

For a fact you're learning, ask why it's true and answer it.

Shrink Minute

Pick one thing you know and ask yourself why it's so.

Shrink Takeaway

Ask why, and the fact sticks.

Medical boundary

Evidence summary

A learning technique with solid supporting evidence, especially with prior knowledge.