Primacy Effect

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Abstract Forming impressions of people can be biased from order effects. Those motivated to think are less susceptible to primacy effects compared to those low in motivation to think. Presented study revealed a reduced primacy effect amongst those who are motivated to think. Teachers and assessors alike, where marking exams are part of work life, should be aware of any bias impressions that can be formed of their students during exam marking. As Rosenthal & Jacobson’s (1968) famous classroom study revealed, teachers impressions of their students can affect the level of encouragement they give. One such impression bias that can occur during this activity is called order effects. Asch (1946) produced a compelling amount evidence revealing…show more content…
As Jones, Rock, Shaver, Goethals, & Ward’s (1968) results showed, when marking another person’s exam paper primacy effects can occur. Several other studies have also showed differing levels of primacy and recencey effects (Costabile & Klein, 2005; Smith, Greenlees, & Manley, 2009). Research also tells us that those that are highly motivated to think, will be less susceptible to the bias of order effects (Ybarra, Schaberg, & Keiper, 1999). This present research seeks to investigate whether primacy effects will occur using an end of sequence method. Also, whether primacy effects would be reduced, or non-existent in people that are highly motivated to think, compared to those that are not. After rationalising all previous research it was therefore hypothesised…show more content…
Participants in the PN condition showed significantly higher impressions of intelligence than those in the NP condition, t(50) = 4.88; p < 0.001. Participants in the PN significantly recalled more correct answers than those in the NP condition, t(50) = 5.67; p < 0.001. See Table 1 for a list of mean scores and standard deviations. Those low in NC in the PN condition significantly predicted higher scores out of 60 than those in the NP condition, t(19) = 2.91; p < 0.009. Those in the PN condition showed significantly higher impressions of intelligence than those in the NP condition, t(19) = 3.05, p < 0.007. Those in the PN condition significantly recalled more correct answers than those in the NP condition, t(19) = 3.97; p < 0.001. See Table 2 for a list of mean scores and standard deviations. Those high in NC in the PN condition showed no significant differences in the predicted scores out of 60 compared to those in the NP condition, t(29) = 1.97; p < 0.059. Those in the PN conditions showed significantly higher impressions of intelligence than those in the NP condition, t(29) = 3.62,
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