Next-in-line effect

The Next-in-line effect is a cognitive bias where individuals have a diminished ability to remember information presented immediately before their turn to perform or speak, such as when they are in line to give a presentation or speak in a meeting.

How it works

This phenomenon occurs because of the anxiety or anticipation related to being next-in-line, which disrupts the encoding of information into memory. The cognitive resources required to prepare one's own actions or words draw attention away from processing and storing the incoming information.

Examples

• A student in a classroom is unable to remember the comments of the person speaking just before them when it is their turn to speak.
• During a round-robin introduction at a meeting, attendees often forget the introduction of the person who spoke immediately before them.

Consequences

• Important information can be overlooked or forgotten during meetings or presentations.
• Team collaboration and communication may suffer when critical details are missed.
• Learning and retention of information may be impaired in educational settings.

Counteracting

• Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety before speaking.
• Taking notes or recording important points to review later.
• Focusing on active listening techniques, such as summarizing what others have said before speaking.

Critiques

• Some researchers argue that the Next-in-line effect may not be universally applicable and might vary significantly based on individual differences such as personality traits and prior experience.
• The effect is sometimes seen as a byproduct of measurement artifacts rather than a distinct cognitive phenomenon.

Fields of Impact

Also known as

Relevant Research

• The Next-in-line Effect.

  Brenner, M. (1973)

  American Journal of Psychology

• The Effects of Anticipatory Anxiety on Memory: The Next-in-Line Effect Revisited.

  Wallace, W. P. & Baumeister, R. F. (2002)

  Journal of Experimental Psychology