Transfer of learning

Question 1

What is transfer of learning?

Answer 1

The influence of previous experience on performing a new skill or of the exact same skill ina new context

Question 2

What are the 3 types of transfer?

Answer 2

Positive
Negative
Neutral (zero)

Question 3

What is positive transfer?

Answer 3

When learning one skill positively influences the learning of another skill or of the same skill in a new context

Question 4

What is negative transfer?

Answer 4

When previous experience inhibits or negatively affects performance of a skill in a new context or the learning of a new skill

Question 5

Why does positive transfer occur?

Answer 5

• Identical elements theory: similar skill or context

- transfer-appropriate processing theory: cognitive processes in learning and performance

Question 6

Why does negative transfer occur?

Answer 6

1. memory representation developed from learning a skill

2. cognitive confusion: can’t retrieve skill from memory to apply to new context

Question 7

What is the identical elements theory of transfer?

Answer 7

Transfer is positively related to the number of elements that two skills share in common. The closer related the more likely transfer will occur.

Question 8

What is the general principle theory of transfer?

Answer 8

Predicts that the occurrence of transfer is based on the understanding of fundamental principles that facilitate transfer through analogy, abstract or context.

Question 9

What are the categories for transfer of learning? give examples

Answer 9

1. proactive skill-to-skill transfer (past affects new) e.g. baseball batting to cricket batting
2. retroactive skill-to-skill transfer (previous skill is altered by new skill) e.g. box jumps improving basketball jump
3. training to competition: practice should imitate the competitive situation

Question 10

What is the difference between asymmetric and symmetric transfer?

Answer 10

Asymmetrical = greater amount of transfer from one limb than the other
Symmetrical = amount of transfer is similar to the other limb, regardless of which was used first

Question 11

Why does bi-lateral transfer occur?

Answer 11

1. cognitive explanation: skills are transferred due to important cognitive information acquired and made available
2. motor control explanation: generalised motor programs facilitate the transfer of motor output characteristics through the nervous system

Question 12

What is the Rosalie and Muller model of transfer?

Answer 12

Combination of identical elements theory and general principles theory. Transfer is dependent on both task similarities and the underlying knowledge of the task.
Expertise based model.

Question 13

How can taxonomies of transfer be used to define and predict the conditions under which transfer may or may not occur?

Answer 13

It can be used to simplify environment and skills by manipulating taxonomy components and then progress rapidly to goal state. If something is too different, transfer is less likely to occur.

Question 14

Explain how the concept of transfer differs from the concept of the “all-round” athlete.

Answer 14

????

Question 15

Where/when can transfer occur? (4)

Answer 15

1. between domains
2. within domain (between contexts)
3. skill-to-skill
4. trial by trial

Question 16

What does transfer theory have implications for?

Answer 16

1. sequencing skills to be learned
2. instructional methods
3. assessing the effectiveness of practice conditions