Doorway Effect: Spatial Context and Memory

The 'doorway effect' is a psychological phenomenon where a person's short-term memory experiences a decline when moving from one location to another, especially when passing through a doorway. Researchers have observed this memory lapse at both literal boundaries, such as moving between rooms, and metaphorical boundaries, like transitioning between computer desktop windows. Research shows that specific events or episodes organize our memory, and changes in spatial context act as boundary markers, segmenting our continuous flow of memories.