Atkinson-Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model Of Memory: Serial Position Effect

Question 1

Define: serial position effect

Answer 1

The finding that free recall is better for items at the end and beginning of a list for items in the middle of the list (best for end, then beginning and worst for middle)

Question 2

Difference between free recall and serial recall

Answer 2

Recalling items in any order/order they were given.

Question 3

Define: Primary effect

Answer 3

Superior recall for items at the beginning of a list

Question 4

Why does the primary effect occur immediately after a list is learned?

Answer 4

Items at the start of the list receive more attention so are rehearsed more than other items: they are transferred to LTM.

Question 5

Define: recency effect

Answer 5

Superior recall for items at the end of a list.

Question 6

Why does the recency effect occur immediately after a list is learned?

Answer 6

items at the end of the list are still held in STM - duration and capacity not exceeded.

Question 7

Why are items in the middle of the list forgotten?

Answer 7

Too late to receive adequate attention and rehearsal to be transferred to LTM; and too early to be held in STM without rehearsal (due to limited capacity and duration) and are displaced.

Question 8

What happens when the recall of the list is delayed 30 seconds after it is presenteD?

Answer 8

Recall best at the beginning of list - rehearsed so transferred into LTM
No recency effect - parts could not hold items in STM long enough (30 seconds exceeded its duration)