When investigating the serial position curve, delaying the memory test for 30 seconds
A) has no effect on the curve.
B) increases the primacy effect.
C) decreases the recency effect.
D) increases both the primacy and the recency effects.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Delaying the memory test for 30 seconds primarily affects the recency effect by decreasing it. This is because the recency effect relies on the short-term memory, which tends to decay rapidly over time. The primacy effect, on the other hand, is based on long-term memory, and its strength is not as affected by a short delay in the test. Therefore, delaying the memory test for 30 seconds would not increase the primacy effect but would decrease the recency effect.

When Investigating the Serial Position Curve, Delaying the Memory Test