Lecture 10: Transfer of Motor Learning

Question 1

What is Transfer of Learning?

Answer 1

1. Influence of previous experience on:
2. Learning a new skill
3. Performing a skill in a new context.

Question 2

Positive Transfer

Answer 2

1. Beneficial effect of prior learning on the learning of a new skill or the performance of a skill in new context.

Question 3

Negative Transfer

Answer 3

1. Negative effect of prior learning on the learning of a new skill/performance of skill in new context.

Question 4

Neutral (Zero)

Answer 4

1. Previous experience has no influence on learning of a new skill.

Question 5

Why is transfer learning so important?

Answer 5

1. Sequencing skills to be learned (step by step) (gentiles: less to more complex)
2. Assessing the effectiveness of practice conditions (transfer tests)

Question 6

Why does Positive Transfer Occur?

Answer 6

1. Similarity of still and context components. (Roots in Thorndike’s “Identical elements” theory: Similarity of skill components and context components)
2. Similarity of processing requirements (Similarity of the cognitive process)

Question 7

Negative Transfer

Answer 7

1. Rare and temporary, can be overcome with practice.
2. Important to note that it could cause discouragement early in practice.

Question 8

What is negative transfer?

Answer 8

1. Occurs when sill or context involves similar environmental context features but requires different movement response
2. Ex. Unintended acceleration effect.

Question 9

3 main reasons why negative transfer occurs

Answer 9

1. Cognitive confusion
2. Individuals natural way of thinking clashes with what the task requires them to do.
3. When you’re used to doing something a certain way, your habits make you do the wrong thing in that situation.

Question 10

Bilateral Transfer

Answer 10

1. Transfer of learning that occurs between two limbs
2. Also known as inter-manual transfer, cross-transfer, cross-education.

Question 11

Asymmetric transfer

Answer 11

1. Greater transfer from one limb than the other
2. Research Support: Greater amount of transfer occurs from preferred to non-preferred limb.

Question 12

Symmetric transfer

Answer 12

1. Similar transfer from one limb to the other, regardless of which was used first.

Question 13

Why does Bilateral Transfer Occur (Cognitive explanation)

Answer 13

1. Important cognitive info acquired from practice with one limb available when other limb begins to perform

Question 14

Why does Bilateral Transfer Occur (Motor Control Explanation)

Answer 14

1. Generalized motor control program (GMP) and dynamic pattern theories both provide a basis for bilateral transfer.