Why our brains love lists – Quiz

1.  Read the text and answer the questions. 

1. Why is it helpful to write tasks down?

Because by writing everything down, we don’t have to rely on our memory and can instead focus on the task at hand.

2. How do lists help our sense of accomplishment and motivation?

Lists serve as proof of what we have achieved.

3.True or False? The Zeigarnik effect is a phenomenon that helps us finish tasks.

False. The Zeigarnik effect is the phenomenon of remembering things we need to do, our unfinished tasks, better than things we have already completed.

4. What did researchers from Wake Forest University test in their experiment?

Researchers tested the interference of the Zeigarnik effect on a group of people.

5. Which group performed better in the second task of the experiment?

The group permitted to plan had reduced anxiety and performed better in the second task.

2.  Choose the appropriate words or phrases to complete the following sentences.

1. I always stay on top of washing and ironing clothes even though I don’t enjoy it.

2. The police had proof that she committed the crime. She was on the CCTV.

3. My motivation definitely gets lower towards the end of the working day. 

4. I can get overwhelmed if there is too much noise in the house. I like peace and quiet.5. Zainab has a never-ending list of books she wants to read.

Productivity can be a struggle for many of us. Overflowing email inboxes, housework, social obligations – it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. However, one simple tool that can help us stay on top of everything is the to-do list. Write it down, do the tasks and cross them off – simple!

There are three key reasons why lists are beneficial, according to psychologist and author David Cohen. Firstly, they help to drown out the chaos and anxiety that comes with having never-ending tasks. By writing everything down, we don’t have to rely on our memory and can instead focus on the task at hand. Secondly, lists provide structure and guidance, giving us a plan to follow. As well as this, our brains are more likely to retain information that is presented in a structured and organised manner. And finally, lists serve as proof of what we have achieved, which can help boost our sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Another possible reason our brains love lists is because of something called the ‘Zeigarnik Effect’. This is the name psychologists use for when we remember things we need to do, our unfinished tasks, better than things we have already completed. Researchers from Wake Forest University tested the interference of the Zeigarnik effect on a group of people. The experiment began with a warm-up task, though it was stopped half-way through, and only some people were allowed to make plans to finish it. The researchers found that the group permitted to plan had reduced anxiety and performed better in the second task. The problem was, the others still had the warm-up task stuck in their active memory – an unticked list of tasks. So, once we tick something off our list, our brain forgets about it and we can relax.All in all, it seems lists are a valuable tool for stayingon top of life!