Chapter 13
Transfer of Learning
Concept: Transfer of learning from one
performance situation to another is an integral
part of skill learning and performance
What is Transfer of Learning?
Influence of previous experience on:
– Learning a new skill
– Performing a skill in a new context
This influence can result in the
following:
– Positive transfer
– Negative transfer
– Neutral (zero)
Why is Transfer of Learning
Important?
Transfer principle has practical and
theoretical significance for:
– Sequencing skills to be learned
– Developing instructional methods
– Assessing the effectiveness of practice
conditions
Why Does Positive Transfer of
Learning Occur?
Two commonly accepted reasons
– Both based on the relationship between the
previous and new experience or context
See Figure 13.1
Similarity of skill and context components
– Thorndike’s “identical elements” theory
Similarity of processing requirements
– Transfer-appropriate processing view
Although much remains unknown about the
cause of transfer of learning, evidence points
to the value of both hypotheses in accounting
for transfer effect
Why Does Positive Transfer of
Learning Occur?
Two commonly accepted reasons
– Both based on the relationship between the
previous and new experience or context
See Figure 13.1
Similarity of skill and context components
– Thorndike’s “identical elements” theory
Similarity of processing requirements
– Transfer-appropriate processing view
Although much remains unknown about the
cause of transfer of learning, evidence points
to the value of both hypotheses in accounting
for transfer effect
Negative Transfer
Considered rare and temporary in motor skill
learning
Occurs when new skill or context involves
– Similar environmental context features but
requires a different movement response
Negative effects can be overcome with
practice
Important for the practitioner to be aware that
it could cause discouragement early in
practice
Why Do Negative Transfer
Effects Occur?
Two main reasons:
1. Motor control system required to perform in
non-preferred manner for the environmental
context
2. Cognitive confusion
Bilateral Transfer
Transfer of learning that involves the
positive influence of previous experience
performing a skill with one limb on learning
or performing the same skill with a different
limb, i.e., between-limb transfer
– Also known as cross transfer or crosseducation
Experimental
evidence of
bilateral transfer
provided by this
research design:
Pretest
Preferred limb
X
Non preferred
X
Practice trial Post test
X
X
X
Bilateral Transfer, cont’d
Asymmetric transfer: Bilateral transfer in
which there is a greater amount of transfer
from one limb than from the other
Symmetric transfer: Bilateral transfer in
which the amount of transfer is similar from
one limb to the other, regardless of which
was used first
Is the direction of bilateral transfer an
important consideration?
Research shows support for asymmetric
transfer: Greater amount of transfer occurs
from preferred to non-preferred limb
Why Does Bilateral Transfer
Occur?
Cognitive explanation: Important cognitive
information acquired from practice with one limb
and available when other limb begins to perform
Motor control explanation:
– The generalized motor program (GMP) and dynamic
pattern theories both provide a basis for bilateral
transfer
– Evidence from EMG activity in non-performing
contra-lateral limb
Why Does Bilateral Transfer
Occur?
Cognitive explanation: Important cognitive
information acquired from practice with one limb
and available when other limb begins to perform
Motor control explanation:
– The generalized motor program (GMP) and dynamic
pattern theories both provide a basis for bilateral
transfer
– Evidence from EMG activity in non-performing
contra-lateral limb