Margeaux is introduced to the following people when she arrives at the party: Derek, Kayla, Calvin, Debbie, Rose, Melanie, Garrett, Tom, Francis, Jane, and Vincent. According to the serial-position effect, it will be most DIFFICULT to remember the names of
A) Derek, Kayla, Jane, and Vincent.
B) Tom, Francis, Jane, and Vincent.
C) Derek, Kayla, Melanie, and Garrett.
D) Debbie, Rose, Melanie, and Garrett.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The serial-position effect suggests that people are most likely to remember the first and last items in a series (primacy and recency effects, respectively) and are more likely to forget the items in the middle. Choices A and B include names at the beginning or end of the list, which should be easier to remember. Choice D includes names from the middle of the list, making it the correct answer as these would be the most difficult to remember.

Margeaux Is Introduced to the Following People When She Arrives