Psychology GCSE
Serial position effect
What Serial position effect means in Psychology GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Serial position effect
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Serial position effect in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The pattern where words at the start and end of a list are recalled better than those in the middle, shown as a serial position curve when recall is plotted by position.
Topics that use Serial position effect
- 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 Serial position effect 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.
Practise Psychology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Psychology GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge