The Oddball Effect

The Oddball Effect refers to the phenomenon where people remember unusual or atypical items better than more common ones in a set. For example, if shown a series of everyday objects and one bizarre item, like a rubber chicken, you're more likely to recall the rubber chicken later. This effect occurs because unusual items capture our attention and stand out from the norm, making them easier to remember. Essentially, our brains are wired to notice and retain information about things that are different or surprising, helping us process our environment more effectively.