How to recognize and avoid the recency effect

What is the recency effect and how does it work?

The recency effect is a product of short-term memory, also known as active memory. Short-term memory enables us to hold a small amount of information for a brief period. Examples include remembering a person’s name after being introduced during an interview or recalling a phone number just given to you.

However, when attempting to commit information to long-term memory, it’s crucial to avoid solely relying on what you’ve just learned. For instance, when you’re studying, it’s easier to recall the information you reviewed most recently, whereas material reviewed an hour ago is more challenging to remember.

All your ideas in one place

Keep your thoughts, content, and lists handy with OneNote

Learn more

In addition to the recency effect there is also the primacy effect, which enhances memory for the first pieces of information encountered. Consequently, information sandwiched in the middle of a learning session is often the most challenging to recall. To combat this, when studying, allocate time to review the middle section to enhance your memory retention.

How does the recency effect impact your life?

The recency effect can also influence bias, leading individuals to favor information recently presented to them. This bias can impact decision-making in various aspects of life, including the following:

• Hiring decisions: Managers may show greater interest in candidates who have recently graduated, even when other qualified candidates exist.
• Project assignments: Employees who have recently completed successful projects may receive high-profile assignments more frequently.
• Disciplinary action: Employees who have faced recent challenges or performance issues are more likely to face disciplinary action, potentially overlooking their overall contributions, due to the salience of their recent performance in the manager’s memory.
• Performance reviews: Similar to disciplinary actions, managers may focus heavily on an employee’s recent achievements or challenges, potentially neglecting their performance or goals they achieved throughout the year.

How to avoid the recency effect

To commit information to long-term memory and counteract recency bias in decision-making, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Spend more time reviewing old information: Whether you’re studying or evaluating performance, take a holistic approach to information. Dedicate time to reviewing older data or an employee’s historical performance to avoid succumbing to the effects of recency bias. You can also rehearse key points or highlights.
• Diligently record information: Maintaining records, whether digitally or manually, can enhance memory retention and facilitate systematic information management. Digital records enable objective assessment of an employee’s past performance.
• Consult with others: If you notice a bias toward recent information, seek input from colleagues or other perspectives within your environment or similar settings. Their insights can help identify any relevant points and lead to nuanced conclusions.

The recency effect can impact your ability to recall information accurately and make unbiased decisions. However, equipped with these strategies, you can make more objective decisions and enhance your memory recall. For additional guidance on retaining information, learn other organizational tips to facilitate better information retention.