What principle suggests that items learned first create a strong impression that is difficult to erase?

The principle that suggests items learned first create a strong impression that is difficult to erase is known as the Principle of Primacy. This principle explains that the information individuals encounter initially tends to be more memorable and influential in shaping their understanding and retention of subsequent information.

When people learn something new, especially in a structured training or educational context, the first pieces of information often act as anchors for later learning. This foundational knowledge can profoundly affect how new information is processed and integrated. Due to the strong impression made by initial learning experiences, it can be challenging for subsequent information to displace or alter that foundational understanding.

For instance, if a police officer is trained on core concepts regarding protocols and procedures at the beginning of their training, those initial learnings will significantly influence how they interpret and assimilate additional material related to those concepts later. The effectiveness of early training underscores the importance of thoughtful curriculum design and training methodologies in law enforcement and other fields.