What term is used for learning something for which there is prior knowledge?

The term for learning something for which there is prior knowledge is often referred to as "relearning." This concept involves revisiting previously learned material, where the learner typically finds it easier to absorb the information again due to the existing foundation of knowledge. Relearning is significant because it emphasizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process when prior knowledge is in play. The brain can utilize previously established connections to facilitate new learning, making it a critical aspect of cognitive psychology.

In contrast, eidetic memory relates to the ability to vividly recall images and experiences with great detail, which is not specifically about the process of learning from prior knowledge. The primacy effect refers to the tendency to remember the first items in a list better than the middle items, which involves memory recall rather than the process of learning new information based on what one already knows. A savings score quantifies the amount of time or effort saved when relearning information, indicating a measure of learning efficiency, but does not specifically describe the process itself. Thus, "relearning" encompasses the idea of acquiring knowledge with the benefit of pre-existing information effectively.