recency effect

a memory phenomenon in which the most recently presented facts, impressions, or items are learned or remembered better than material presented earlier. This effect can occur in both formal learning situations and social contexts. For example, it can result in inaccurate ratings of a person’s abilities due to the inordinate influence of the most recent information received about that person. Also called law of recency; principle of recency; recency error. Compare negative recency; primacy effect.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

social degeneracy

a condition in which social structures and behavioral norms no longer function constructively.