Primacy Effect
The Primacy Effect is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals are more likely to remember the first items in a list or sequence. This effect occurs because the initial information is often rehearsed more and encoded into long-term memory more effectively than later items. It is commonly observed in various contexts, such as learning, presentations, and even social interactions.
This effect is part of a broader concept known as the Serial Position Effect, which also includes the Recency Effect—the tendency to remember the last items better. Understanding the Primacy Effect can help improve study techniques and enhance memory retention by emphasizing the importance of the order in which information is presented.