Abstract: Using the forward and backward associative method proposed by Liu Inmao, we examined the nature of primacy and recency effect in different presentation and interval times sitution with Chinese characters. The results showed that the recency effect of the serial position effect was sensitive to the changing of time, and the recency effect belonged to absolute memory. The nature of primacy and recency effect depended on the item presentation bine, the interval bine and the item number of the serial.

Key words: serial position effects, principle of distinctiveness, associative memory, absolute memory, ratio rule