Which principle suggests that learners return to the first learned concepts more effectively than later ones?

The principle of primacy suggests that learners are more likely to retain and readily recall information that they learned first in a given training or educational context. When a topic or skill is introduced early in the learning process, it tends to create a strong foundation in the learner's mind. This is often due to the mental effects of initial exposure and the way early learning can shape subsequent understanding and retention of material.

In contrast, other principles such as recency focus on the idea that learners are better at recalling information that they learned most recently. While this can be important, it does not challenge the foundational strength that comes from the initial learning experiences that primacy emphasizes. Disuse refers to the idea that skills or knowledge that are not practiced may fade over time, and intensity relates to the emotional or motivational engagement with the material, which influences retention but does not specifically suggest a stronger recall for earlier learned concepts.

Understanding the principle of primacy is essential for educators and trainers as they design curricula or training programs. By recognizing that learners may have a stronger recall of early content, instructors can strategically emphasize foundational concepts to enhance overall learning outcomes.