Research

The science behind every feature.

SatSpike is not built on gut instinct. Every core mechanism โ€” spaced repetition, error classification, pattern-level mastery, Module 1 control theory โ€” is grounded in learning science research and College Board design documentation.

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01

Spaced Repetition

Skills decay without practice. SatSpike tracks every skill's last-practiced date and schedules re-checks at scientifically optimal intervals: 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after first mastery. You never over-review strong skills or neglect weakening ones.

Ebbinghaus (1885), Cepeda et al. (2006)
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02

Error Classification

Not all wrong answers are equal. SatSpike classifies errors into four types: concept gap (didn't know the rule), careless (knew it but rushed), time pressure (ran out of time), and trap (fell for a designed distractor). Each type needs a different fix.

Internal classification system, based on College Board item analysis
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03

Pattern-Level Mastery

Most platforms track skills. SatSpike tracks patterns within skills. "Algebra" is too broad โ€” "linear equations in two variables with fractional coefficients" is actionable. We decompose each skill into 2โ€“6 specific patterns, each with its own mastery score.

College Board Digital SAT content specifications (2023)
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04

Module 1 Control

The Digital SAT uses adaptive testing: Module 1 score determines whether you get a hard or easy Module 2. A score above ~60% in Module 1 routes you to the hard module, which has a higher scoring ceiling. SatSpike tracks your Module 1 control rate and optimizes for it.

College Board adaptive test design documentation
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05

Bayesian Mastery Estimation

Mastery isn't binary. We use an exponential moving average (EMA, ฮฑ=0.3) to update skill mastery after each answer, weighted by recency. A recent wrong answer counts more than an old right answer. This gives you an honest, current picture of where you stand.

Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (Corbett & Anderson, 1994)
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06

Sprint Cycles

Our 4-week sprint system mirrors how professional coaches structure training: 3 weeks of learning + 1 repair week. Week 3 ends with a full mock. The sprint report analyses 3 data points (2 topic tests + 1 mock) to identify which patterns need the repair week.

Periodization theory (Matveyev, 1965); adapted for cognitive training

SatSpike is an independent SAT preparation platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to College Board. SATยฎ is a registered trademark of College Board.