What is a learning technique that incorporates increasing intervals of time between practice of previously learned materials?

The correct choice is indeed spaced repetition. This learning technique is based on the principle that information is better retained when it is reviewed at increasing intervals rather than crammed in a short period. Spaced repetition takes advantage of the psychological spacing effect, which posits that by allowing time between study sessions, the learner is more likely to strengthen the memory trace and enhance recall.

In practical terms, as learners revisit the material after longer gaps, they reinforce their understanding while also challenging their memory, which can lead to a deeper comprehension of the subject matter. This method is particularly effective for long-term retention and is often used in language learning and studying for exams because it prioritizes the reinforcement of knowledge over time, making it more natural and aligned with how our brains process information.

Other techniques, like cramming, involve intensive studying with little or no breaks, leading to quick but often fleeting retention. Massed practice refers to studying all at once without breaks, which can also lead to ineffective long-term learning. Active recall is a strategy where learners actively stimulate their memory during the learning process, often through quizzes or flashcards, but it does not inherently include the spacing element that spaced repetition emphasizes.