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: Motor control system required to perform in non-preferred manner for the environmental context 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 cross-education Experimental evidence of bilateral transfer provided by this research design: Pretest Practice trial Post test Preferred limb X Non preferred

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