Experiment 1: The Serial Position Effect

Materials:

 A list of words or numbers

Procedure:

1. Present the list of words or numbers to participants one at a time.

2. After the list has been presented, ask participants to recall as many of the items as they can in any
order they wish.
3. Record the number of items recalled in the correct order and the number of items recalled in
incorrect order.

Hypothesis:

Participants will be more likely to recall items from the beginning and end of the list than items from
the middle of the list. This is known as the serial position effect.

Results:

If the hypothesis is supported, participants will have a higher average recall rate for items at the
beginning and end of the list than for items in the middle of the list.

Discussion:

The serial position effect is a well-known phenomenon in memory research. It is thought to be due
to a number of factors, including attention, rehearsal, and interference.

List of words Trial 1

1. Pen
2. Swan
3. McDo
4. Sail
5. Pregnant
6. Cobra
7. Ax
8. Hour glass
9. Golf club
10. Spoon and plate
List of words Trial 1

1. Stick
2. Kettle
3. pork
4. Plus
5. Elephant
6. snake
7. ID lace
8. Pouch
9. Purse
10. Charger

List of words Trial 3

1. Chair
2. Board
3. Light
4. Switch
5. Paper
6. Bag
7. Air Conditioning unit
8. Sprinkler
9. Glass
10. window