Why do some children benefit more from testing than others? Gist trace processing to explain the testing effect

► We model the relationship between gist trace processing and the size of the testing effect in children. ► We examine true and false recognition on targets and semantically related distractors. ► A latent class model showed three classes which reveal that strong gist trace processing is related to strong testing effects. ► A large part of the sample showed no testing effect. ► This was due to strong gist trace processing in both the restudying and testing condition.