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What is the recency effect?

PsychologyLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

The recency effect is our tendency to best remember the most recent items in a list or experience. It's why the last few things you hear in a conversation or presentation often stick with you more than what came in the middle.

Key things to understand

  1. We recall the most recent information best.
  2. It's strongest right after we encounter the items.
  3. It pairs with the 'primacy effect' (remembering the first items).
  4. It influences learning, persuasion, and impressions.

People also ask

What is the recency effect?
The tendency to remember the most recently presented information better than earlier information.
What's the difference between recency and primacy effects?
Recency favors the last items you encounter; primacy favors the first ones.
How can you use the recency effect?
Put your most important points last in a presentation, since they're more likely to be remembered.