What is the memory phenomenon called when recently learned information is recalled more effectively than information learned earlier?

The phenomenon where recently learned information is recalled more effectively than information learned earlier is known as the Recency Effect. This occurs because items that are learned more recently tend to still be active in short-term memory, allowing for easier retrieval when asked to recall information. The recency effect is often observed in lists or sequences, where the last few items are recalled better than those presented earlier.

In contrast, the Primacy Effect describes a different memory phenomenon in which individuals more easily remember the first items presented in a list because they have had more time to be encoded into long-term memory. Sequential Recall refers to the process of remembering items in the order they were presented, while the Learning Curve illustrates how learning efficiency improves with practice or over time, rather than focusing specifically on the timing of recall related to recently learned versus previously learned information. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the Recency Effect is the correct answer in this context.