Prior practice that helps current performance is an example of which transfer?

Prior practice that helps current performance is an example of which transfer?

• A. Positive transfer
• B. Negative transfer
• C. Zero transfer
• D. Proactive transfer

Answer: (A)

Positive transfer happens when practice in one task helps performance in a related current task. Because the two activities share similar movements, timing, or decision-making, the learner can apply what they already know, making the current performance smoother and quicker. For example, refining a tennis serve can help with a similar overarm throw in another sport, or good ball-handling and footwork from one sport can transfer to another with a similar dribbling pattern. If the prior learning hindered the new task, that would be negative transfer; if it had no effect, it would be zero transfer. This scenario clearly shows the beneficial impact of prior practice, so it’s positive transfer.

Positive transfer happens when practice in one task helps performance in a related current task. Because the two activities share similar movements, timing, or decision-making, the learner can apply what they already know, making the current performance smoother and quicker. For example, refining a tennis serve can help with a similar overarm throw in another sport, or good ball-handling and footwork from one sport can transfer to another with a similar dribbling pattern. If the prior learning hindered the new task, that would be negative transfer; if it had no effect, it would be zero transfer. This scenario clearly shows the beneficial impact of prior practice, so it’s positive transfer.