Definitionv1
Zeigarnik effect: the psychological phenomenon where
Zeigarnik effect: the psychological phenomenon where uncompleted tasks create persistent cognitive tension and continued mental processing even when attempting to focus on other activities, causing unfinished work to demand resolution and interfere with rest
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes the semantic boundary of 'Zeigarnik effect' by naming the phenomenon, identifying its genus as psychological phenomenon, stating its differentia as creating persistent cognitive tension for uncompleted tasks, and specifying its functional consequences for mental processing and rest. It distinguishes this from general memory or attention effects.