This effect is part of the broader serial position effect, which also includes the primacy effect (the tendency to remember the first items in a series). In the context of software development, the recency effect can significantly influence how team members recall and prioritize tasks, discussions, and decisions.

Theoretical explanations for the Recency Effect have been proposed within the framework of cognitive psychology. One prominent theory is that recent items are still present in short-term memory, making them more accessible for recall. Another theory suggests that the Recency Effect is influenced by the diminished processing of items in the middle of a sequence due to cognitive load.

The recency effect can significantly influence the behavior and decision-making processes in software teams. This bias is particularly relevant in fast-paced environments where new information is constantly being presented, like at a small startup, potentially overshadowing earlier but equally important information.

The recency effect can impact various aspects of the software lifecycle like roadmaps, timelines, and deliverable requests. It can ultimately influence team dynamics if it becomes a problem.

For instance, during meetings, the most recently discussed items might be remembered more vividly than earlier topics, potentially skewing priority setting and decision-making. If someone isn’t there to make sure priorities are straight, team members might assume this newest thing is more important than something they were already working on.