FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationEasy
During early training, an instructor allows a student to repeatedly perform a checklist flow in the wrong sequence for several lessons before finally correcting it. The student then has great difficulty unlearning the incorrect sequence. This best illustrates the importance of which principle of learning?
- ALaw of Exercise
- BLaw of Primacy
- CLaw of Effect
- DLaw of Intensity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Law of Primacy
The Law of Primacy states that the first thing learned creates a strong, often unshakable impression, so instructors must ensure correct procedures are taught right from the start. Allowing an incorrect habit to form first made it very hard to correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Law of Exercise relates to repetition strengthening learning, not the effect of being first.
- C. Law of Effect relates to learning being strengthened by satisfying outcomes, not first impressions.
- D. Law of Intensity relates to vivid, dramatic experiences being remembered better, not sequencing.
Law of Primacy
One of the laws of learning stating that things learned first often create a strong, almost unshakable impression, making initial correct instruction critical.
- First lessons/impressions are hard to change later
- Instructors must teach correct procedures from the start
- Part of Thorndike's/Aviation Instructor's laws of learning
Memory trick: 'Primacy = Priority' — what comes first sticks first.