According to the Atkinson and Shiffrin model, which memory type does the recency effect relate to?

The recency effect is primarily associated with short-term memory according to the Atkinson and Shiffrin model. This phenomenon reflects the tendency for individuals to better recall the final items in a sequence, or list, after they have been presented. This is because the most recent items are still held in short-term memory, making them more accessible for retrieval.

Short-term memory is characterized by its limited capacity and duration, typically retaining information for a short period, usually around 15 to 30 seconds. In contrast, long-term memory involves information that has been transferred and encoded for more permanent storage, while sensory memory pertains to the immediate perception of sensory stimuli that lasts for just a brief moment. Prospective memory involves remembering to perform actions in the future, which is not directly related to the recency effect. Thus, this understanding of memory types helps clarify that the recency effect specifically highlights the function of short-term memory.