1. Chapter 13 Transfer of Learning
Concept: Transfer of learning from one performance situation to another is an integral part of skill learning and performance

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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