Recency and End-of-Sequence Suffix Effects Are Not Always Linked

Abstract

Sensory trace theories have linked recency and end-of-sequence suffix effects. However, backward recall and other paradigms have shown recency and generalized suffix effects. In an effort to determine the necessary conditions for the large end-of-sequence suffix effect, an experiment was performed comparing recall of 7and 11-unit digit sequences. Recall was either forward or circular (the last three items followed in order by the firstpresented items). Recency and standard suffix effects were present in forward recall for both 7and 11-unit sequences. However, in common with backward recall and other paradigms, circular-recall conditions showed recency and generalized suffix effects. Comparisons of control conditions for circular recall showed that performance on the final item was no less for 11than for 7-unit sequences, indicating that input variables are not relevant in this type of recency. However, in the forward-recall condition, recency was reduced when 11-unit sequences were compared with 7-unit sequences. This indicates output interference to be relevant in the recency found in forward recall. These results suggest strongly that end-of-sequence suffix effects are linked with proximity to the suffix in conjunction with sufficient output interference rather than merely with recency as sensory trace and other theorists have previously proposed.