Which cognitive phenomenon supports the concept that earlier learning aids the relearning process?

The concept that earlier learning aids the relearning process is best supported by the savings score. The savings score refers to the difference in time or effort required to learn information that was previously learned and forgotten, compared to learning it for the first time. This phenomenon indicates that even if the information is not consciously recalled, some memory of it remains, facilitating a quicker or easier re-encoding process when revisiting the material. This demonstrates that prior learning lays a foundation that makes the relearning of that information more economical in terms of time and cognitive resources.

The other options relate to different cognitive phenomena. The primacy effect refers to the tendency to remember items presented at the beginning of a list better than those in the middle. The recency effect relates to the improved recall of information at the end of a list. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to vividly recall images, sounds, or objects in great detail after only brief exposure, which does not directly relate to the concept of relearning. Hence, the savings score stands out as it directly sheds light on how prior experience with material enhances subsequent learning efforts.