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The use of effect and affect is something that tends to trip up new writers. I tend to have to refer to my writing hints when I want to use one of these words to make sure that I'm using the right one.

Affect is actually two words with the same spelling. The first of those words means "to pretend" or "to assume." For example, "He affected a show of sympathy as he consoled her." This is not the version we're concerned with here but is a good thing to know.

The second affect can be used as either a noun or a verb. As a noun this word means "emotion."

“The soldiers seen on television had been carefully chosen for blandness of affect.” (Norman Mailer)

As a verb, the much more common use, it means "to influence" or "to change."

The article he had just finished reading had a strong affect on his views.

Like affect, effect can also be used as a noun or a verb. The noun usage means "a result." When you affect something then you are probably going to see some sort of effect. Confused yet?

He tried and tried to get the engine to start, but to no effect.

Laying in the sun all day had the effect of burning her skin.

When used as a verb effect must be used with an object and has a meaning of "to produce an effect," or in other words "to bring about, "accomplish" or "make happen."

Changing the car's oil effected the miles per gallon.

Hopefully this article has had a beneficial affect, but in the end it's practice using these words that will effect whether or not you use them correctly.

References:
www.dictionary.com - Definitions of Affect and Effect.