Three explanations were explored for the finding that people prefer the middle option rather than the extremes when choosing from an array of similar options. In Study I, 68% chose the middle item from a set of three highlighters and three surveys, whereas 32% chose an item from either end, p < .0001. In Study II, 71% selected the mioddle chair from a row of three chairs that were either all empty, or else had a backpack occupying one of the two end chairs, p< .0001. These results support a minimal mental effort principle rather than a preference for symmetry rule. In Study III, 54.2% recalled more graphic items from the center poster of a 3-poster collage, whereas 31.3% and 14.5% recalled more items from the left and right posters respectively, p<.004. These findings lent additional support to a focus of attention explanation.