What does the primacy effect reflect about memory storage?

The primacy effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals tend to remember the first items in a list better than those in the middle or at the end. This effect is largely attributed to the process of encoding information into long-term memory. When information is presented, the items at the beginning of the list have the advantage of being rehearsed more frequently or having more time to be encoded into long-term memory before the subsequent items are presented. As a result, these first items are more likely to be transferred from short-term memory into long-term memory.

This indicates that the primacy effect is not simply about initial exposure in sensory memory or short-term memory, as these would not adequately explain the retention of the first items after a delay or when retrieval is prompted later. Therefore, long-term memory is the most accurate representation of where the primacy effect reflects storage. It highlights the importance of effective encoding strategies that facilitate the transition of information from short-term processing to a more durable, long-lasting form of memory.