The next-in-line effect

Abstract

Subjects performed a free recall task while seated in a square. One by one, alternate subjects exposed a word card and read the word out loud to the group. The remaining subjects simply listened. All subjects were tested for recall. Subjects who performed tended not to recall words read 9 sec before and after their performance ("scallop effect"), and this loss increased with performance difficulty. Incidental evidence suggested high recall for material performed by particular subjects ("peak effects") and channel capacity. When subjects are next in line they may ignore cues not related to performing.