Psychology GCSE
Primacy and recency
What Primacy and recency means in Psychology GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Primacy and recency
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Primacy and recency in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Primacy is better recall of words at the start of the list, explained as rehearsal into long-term memory; recency is better recall of words at the end, explained as still being in short-term memory.
Topics that use Primacy and recency
- Memory (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Capacity
- Classifying examples by content
- Coding
- Context-dependent memory
- Distinguishing stores by feature
- Duration
- Effect of delay
- Effort after meaning
Using Primacy and recency in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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