Adding 30 seconds of backwards counting between the study and test phases of a free recall list learning task __________.
A)will increase the recency effect
B)will reduce the primacy effect
C)will increase the primacy effect
D)will reduce the recency effect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adding 30 seconds of backwards counting between the study and test phases of a free recall list learning task will disrupt the immediate recall of the items from the end of the list (recency effect), reducing its impact on the overall recall performance. This is because the counting task requires mental effort and attention, which interferes with the rehearsal of list items in working memory. However, the primacy effect, which reflects the superior recall of items from the beginning of the list due to their better encoding and storage in long-term memory, is less affected by the intervening task and may even be enhanced by the additional time for consolidation. Therefore, the overall effect of the counting task is to reduce the recency effect and increase the primacy effect.

Adding 30 Seconds of Backwards Counting Between the Study and Test