savings method
a way of measuring quantitatively, without relying on an individual’s conscious memory, how much learned material is retained. In an initial learning session, the number of trials or the amount of time until the individual can achieve a goal, such as one perfect recitation of a list of nonsense syllables, is recorded. At a later time, he or she is retaught the same material. The difference in number of trials or time taken to achieve the goal is compared between the first and second sessions; this is the savings value (or savings score). Even if the individual has no conscious recollection of the original learning experience (e.g., because of a large time delay between the two sessions), the measurement can still be obtained. Also called relearning method. [introduced by Hermann Ebbinghaus]