Zeigarnik Effect

Overview & Description: The Zeigarnik Effect, named after psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, suggests that people tend to remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. The theory implies that pending tasks create a cognitive tension and intrusive thoughts, which keep them at the forefront of memory.

Implications: This effect is utilized in various fields, including advertising (creating cliffhangers), organizational psychology (task management and productivity), and educational strategies (structuring study and revision sessions).

References:

• Zeigarnik, B. (1927). Über das Behalten von erledigten und unerledigten Handlungen. Psychologische Forschung, 9(1), 1-85.