Copy the following list of words onto your own paper.
Washcloth
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Aftershave
Perfume
Hairspray
Soap
Floss
Peroxide
Cream
Medicine
Bandage
Mouthwash
Razor
Comb
Make a list of ten people you want to test the Serial Position Effect on.
Use this sheet to record the names and data you collect.
Prepare yourself to say this phrase:
"I am doing an experiment on lists for school. I am going to read a list of words to you. I want you to listen to the words. When I am finished, I want you to write down as many of the words as you remember, in the order in which you heard them. You will have thirty seconds to write them down."
Note: The key here is to not give away the fact that you're testing the person's memory. When people find out you're testing their memory, they'll try extra hard to remember. It might mess up your results. That's why you just need to tell your ten test subjects that you're experimenting with a list. Later, you'll tell them you're testing their memory. But not now.
Give a piece of paper and a pencil to the people you're testing.
Say the phrase:
" I am doing an experiment on lists for school. I am going to read a list of words to you. I want you to listen to the words. When I am finished, I want you to write down as many of the words as you remember, in the order in which you heard them. You will have thirty seconds to write them down."
Read your list of words to your person.
Don't read too fast.
Have the person write down the words he/she remembers, in the order heard.
You may count to thirty in you head, or use a watch. But tell the person to stop writing at the end of thirty seconds.
Collect the paper.
Thank the person for their time, and let them know you'll use their paper to analyze if people are more likely to remember the beginning and ending words of a list.