The Zeigarnik Effect is a psychological phenomenon that describes the tendency of people to remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. This effect was first observed by the Lithuanian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik in the 1920s when she noticed that waiters in a café seemed to remember orders only as long as the order was in the process of being served.
The Zeigarnik Effect can be summarized in two key points:
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Better Recall of Uncompleted Tasks: Individuals tend to remember interrupted or unfinished tasks better than those they complete. This is thought to be because uncompleted tasks create a kind of cognitive tension or mental discomfort, leading to them occupying our thoughts more than completed tasks. Once the task is completed, this tension is resolved, and the task is more easily forgotten.
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Motivation to Complete Tasks: This effect is also linked to motivation, as the mental discomfort caused by unfinished tasks can provide a push to complete them, in order to relieve the tension.
The Zeigarnik Effect has implications in various areas such as productivity, education, and mental health. In terms of productivity and work management, it suggests that taking breaks in the middle of tasks, rather than upon their completion, might increase the likelihood of returning to and finishing these tasks. In education, it implies that students might better remember interrupted or incomplete study materials. However, it’s important to note that while this effect is widely recognized, its strength and universality can vary depending on the individual and context.