As Pigy notes, cram study works for the written test but you best know your stuff for the Oral Portion of the Check Ride.
The Cram stuff also works to ensure you understand the subject matter.
If you not only know the answer but can give a two minute dissertation on the exact point of the question then you are probably good to go for the Oral.
The FAA system places far more emphasis upon the Oral and Flight Test than the Written Test. The Written only indicates how well you can memorize information and the Oral and Flight Test demonstrate your ability to apply that knowledge.
The FAA system also uses a "Building Block" approach to the Written Testing.....as you progress from PPL to ATPL you are thoroughly tested on the "new" material and only get a cursory testing on the "old" material.