Regarding free recall of a list of items, which of the following will most likely cause the recency effect to disappear?
A) Inserting a 30-second delay before recall
B) Presenting the stimulus list at a slower pace
C) Counting backward for 30 seconds before recall
D) Using a very long list (greater than 30 items at one item per second)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Counting backward for 30 seconds before recall will likely cause the recency effect to disappear because it interferes with the ability to rehearse and maintain the most recently presented items in working memory. This disrupts the primacy-recency curve, leading to a more flattened recall pattern. Delaying recall or presenting the stimulus list at a slower pace may also affect memory performance, but they are less likely to eliminate the recency effect completely. Using a very long list may also affect memory performance but it is not a reliable way to eliminate the recency effect.

Regarding Free Recall of a List of Items, Which of the Following