What is the recency effect in memory?

The recency effect in memory refers to the phenomenon where individuals are more likely to remember the most recent items presented to them in a list or a sequence. This effect is often observed in memory tests where participants are asked to recall a list of words or items, and they tend to recall the last few items more accurately than those presented earlier. This is believed to occur because the most recently presented information is still active in short-term memory, making it easier to retrieve.

In contrast to the recency effect, the primacy effect suggests that people are more likely to recall the first items in a list due to greater encoding into long-term memory. The middle pieces of information typically receive less focus and are often forgotten. The understanding of these memory effects is crucial for educators and psychologists in designing effective learning and assessment strategies, as they highlight how the order of information can significantly influence recall and retention.