The Rule of Seven

posted by barbara

A popular question from parents is: “Why does it take so long to get through to my kids? What I say doesn’t seem to stick!” Much of it has to do with how we learn. We learn through repetition. But how much repetition does it take before you begin to get diminishing returns?

The consensus is seven. The average person needs to hear information about seven times before it is retained. Tankham (1993), like many researchers before him, he found that “learners differed greatly in the time and number of repetitions required for learning. Most learners required five to seven repetitions…”

Here’s what happens:

1. The first time we hear something, there’s generally no frame of reference for it. So it
floats right back out again.

2. The second time we hear something, we may or may not remember hearing it before, but it leaves more of an impression.

3. The third time we hear something, we are more willing to actually create “a file folder” in our computer-mind for it, for further consideration.

4. The fourth time we hear something, it sounds familiar and we are more likely to accept it with some reservations.

5. The fifth time we hear something, we begin to integrate it by acting on the information.

6. The sixth time we hear something, we understand it, but need more time to keep it “top of mind.”

7. The seventh time we hear something, we “own” it; it now belongs to us; at this stage, we often give the idea to others.

Naturally, there are other factors (learning agility, attention span, personal learning styles, emotional triggers, etc.) that can impact whether an individual needs a few repetitions or all seven (or more!).

Action step:
Be patient. If after seven times, you’re still not getting the results you are expecting, then it’s time to trouble-shoot. Get some help analyzing the specific situation to keep from nagging.

My best,

Barbara

© Barbara McRae

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