Compare Three Study Methods for Retaining Difficult Material Long-Term

Most people learn to study by copying whoever sat next to them in school. The methods that feel most productive (re-reading, highlighting, summarising notes) consistently underperform in long-term retention studies. This compares three methods across evidence, material fit, time investment, and common mistakes, and gives a direct answer for a specific learner situation.

Compare the following three study methods for retaining difficult academic or technical material over the long term: {METHOD_A}, {METHOD_B}, and {METHOD_C}.

For each method:
1. What the research evidence says about its effectiveness for long-term retention (not just short-term performance)
2. What type of material it suits best and worst
3. The realistic time investment required
4. The most common mistake people make when applying it

End with a recommendation for {LEARNER_CONTEXT} specifically, with a direct rationale.