What does the Zeigarnik effect refer to?

The Zeigarnik effect describes the phenomenon where individuals are more likely to remember tasks that are incomplete rather than those that have been finished. Named after Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, this effect suggests that uncompleted tasks create a cognitive tension or a psychological state that keeps those tasks active in memory. As a result, people often find themselves thinking about these unfinished tasks, which can enhance recall.

This effect is significant in various contexts, such as motivation and productivity, where it emphasizes the importance of addressing unfinished business to alleviate mental clutter. In contrast, tasks that have been completed may be less memorable because they are already resolved and do not invoke the same psychological tension or urgency. Understanding the Zeigarnik effect can aid in time management and task prioritization strategies, highlighting the need to close the loop on unfinished projects to enhance focus and memory.