Question 1

Leo has recently studied the principle of reinforcement in his psychology class. He is now trying to teach his daughter good table manners. From an information processing perspective of transfer, is Leo likely to use the principle of reinforcement in helping his daughter learn manners?
A) Definitely yes
B) Definitely no
C) Only if he retrieves the principle of reinforcement at the time he is teaching his daughter
D) Only if he has previously learned the principle of reinforcement to a level of automaticity

Accepted Answer

From an information processing perspective of transfer, the use of previously learned skills or information in a new situation depends on the level of activation or retrieval of that information at the time of the new learning. In other words, Leo may use the principle of reinforcement in helping his daughter learn manners only if he retrieves it at the time he is teaching his daughter. If he has not previously learned the principle of reinforcement to a level of automaticity (option D), he may still be able to use it if he retrieves it at the right time. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 2

Which one of the following is the best example of negative transfer?
A) Nell thinks that 5.75 is bigger than 5.9, because the former has more digits.
B) Fred knows he can get Bs in his classes without having to study at all.
C) José can't remember when the American Civil War started, so he recalls all he can about American history and concludes that the war must have taken place in the 1860s.
D) Edie wants to tie a string securely to her pencil so that she can hang it from her notebook, but she has forgotten how to tie a square knot.

Accepted Answer

Negative transfer occurs when learning in one context or with one set of materials adversely affects performance in another context or with another set of materials. Nell's misunderstanding of numerical value due to the number of digits is an example of negative transfer from understanding of whole numbers to understanding of decimal numbers.

Question 3

Ms. Kaehler is hoping that the students in her mathematics class will transfer the things they learn in class to real-world situations. Which one of the following things should she not do?
A) Help students understand the logic behind mathematical procedures.
B) Make sure that students master each topic before moving to the next one.
C) Have students practice basic arithmetic operations on just one or two vivid examples.
D) Teach students general principles more than specific facts.

Accepted Answer

Practicing on just one or two vivid examples doesn't allow students to see the applicability of the concepts to different real-world situations. It's better to have them practice on a variety of examples to understand the versatility of the mathematical concepts they learn.

Question 4

Imagine that you learn a formula for calculating the volume of a cylinder. You practice using the formula by working on problems such as this one: How much water could you hold in a glass that is 10 cm. in diameter and 15 cm. tall? Later, on a quiz, you are given the following four problems that can be solved using the same formula. Which one of them most obviously requires far rather than near) transfer?
A) A frozen food company wants to know how much frozen orange juice it can put in a can that is 7 cm. in diameter and 12 cm. long.
B) A dairy farmer wants to know how much milk he can store in a metal drum that is 1 meter in diameter and 3 meters in height.
C) A manufacturer of office supplies wants to know how many thumbtacks it can put in a round plastic container that is four inches across and one inch high. It estimates that one cubic inch can hold about 10 tacks.
D) A maple syrup distributor in Vermont wants to know how much syrup it can put in a bottle that is 20 cm. tall and 6 cm. in diameter.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer requires far transfer because it involves converting units (inches to cubic inches and then to the number of thumbtacks), which adds an extra step not present in the original problem or the other options, which directly ask for volume in consistent units.

Question 5

Mary's parents want her to study advanced mathematics as a way of helping her remember her lines in theater productions. Considering research on transfer, are Mary's parents correct? Will studying advanced mathematics help Mary learn her lines more readily?
A) Probably
B) Only if Mary studies mathematics for an extended period of time
C) Only if Mary studies abstract concepts
D) Probably not

Accepted Answer

Research on transfer suggests that skills or knowledge learned in one area do not necessarily transfer to another area. Studying advanced mathematics would not necessarily help Mary remember lines for theater productions unless the two areas have some overlapping skills or knowledge, which is unlikely.

Question 6

In English, the word llama is pronounced "LA-MA." In Spanish, llama is more typically pronounced as "YA-MA" or "JA-MA," depending on the dialect. Analyzing this situation in terms of the similarity of stimuli and responses, we can predict that a person who first learns to read the word in English and then learns to read it in Spanish will:
A) Benefit from positive transfer
B) Suffer from negative transfer
C) Have little or no transfer from one language to the other
D) Benefit from positive transfer only if the two languages are learned close together in time

Accepted Answer

The difference in pronunciation between the English and Spanish forms of the word llama represents a difference in stimuli, which may cause confusion or interference for the person who is learning to read it in both languages. This is an example of negative transfer, where prior learning in one context interferes with new learning in a different context.

Question 7

Mary is majoring in drama. Mary's parents want her to study advanced mathematics as a way of strengthening her mind, and argue that, when she is in a play, she will be able to learn her lines more easily. Based on their reasoning, which one of the following theories of transfer do Mary's parents believe?
A) Formal discipline
B) Behaviorism
C) Information processing theory
D) Situated learning

Accepted Answer

Mary's parents are using the theory of formal discipline, which states that studying a particular subject can improve overall mental abilities and transfer to other areas, such as memorization of lines in a play.

Question 8

Which one of the following most clearly illustrates general as opposed to specific) transfer?
A) The skill Arnold has developed as a marathon runner helps him later in life when he jogs for exercise.
B) Brian has learned study skills in his history class that he also finds useful in his English literature class.
C) Conway's knowledge of addition and subtraction helps him learn accounting procedures.
D) David's knowledge of the human digestive system helps him understand the digestive system of an earthworm.

Accepted Answer

General transfer refers to the application of skills or knowledge from one context to a broad range of other contexts. Brian's ability to use study skills learned in history class across different subjects, like English literature, exemplifies this concept of general transfer, as these skills are applicable in a wide variety of learning situations.

Question 9

Francis learns that the Spanish word malo means "bad." He later learns that the French word mal also means "bad." Analyzing this situation in terms of the similarity of stimuli and responses, we can predict that Francis will:
A) Probably have positive transfer from one language to the other
B) Probably have negative transfer from one language to the other
C) Have positive transfer from Spanish to French, but negative transfer from French to Spanish
D) Have positive transfer from French to Spanish, but negative transfer from Spanish to French

Accepted Answer

Francis will most likely have positive transfer from one language to the other because both words, malo and mal, have a high degree of similarity in spelling and pronunciation, and both have the same meaning of "bad." This similarity will make it easier for him to associate and remember the meaning of the words in both languages.

Question 10

According to Thorndike's theory of identical elements, in which one of the following situations are we most likely to find positive transfer?
A) Alice learns how to plant corn and then learns how to prune a hedge.
B) Brianne learns how to add 2-digit numbers and then learns how to add 3-digit numbers.
C) Cathy learns early British history and then learns early Japanese history.
D) Devlin learns how to play softball and then learns how to play poker.

Accepted Answer

Thorndike's theory of identical elements states that positive transfer is most likely when there are common elements between the two tasks. In option B, both tasks involve addition, and the only difference is the number of digits. Therefore, there are identical elements in both tasks, making positive transfer more likely. In the other options, there are no identical elements between the tasks, making positive transfer less likely.

Question 11

Which one of the following is the best example of inert knowledge?
A) Kate is surprised to learn that Winston Churchill, Great Britain's prime minister during World War II, lost his battle for reelection in 1945.
B) Wally knows how to multiply and divide fractions but doesn't realize he can use this knowledge when he needs to adjust measurements in a cake recipe.
C) In his everyday speech, Quincy correctly uses irregular verbs e.g., go, went, have gone), but he can't explain the difference between regular and irregular verbs.
D) After breaking her leg, Paisley is unable to play basketball for several months.

Accepted Answer

Inert knowledge refers to knowledge that is not applied to real-world situations. Option B is the best example of inert knowledge as Wally knows how to multiply and divide fractions but doesn't realize he can use this knowledge when he needs to adjust measurements in a cake recipe.

Question 12

Which one of the following most clearly illustrates vertical as opposed to lateral) transfer?
A) The skill Arnold has developed as a marathon runner helps him later in life when he jogs for exercise.
B) Brian has learned study skills in his history class that he also finds useful in his English literature class.
C) Conway's knowledge of addition and subtraction helps him learn accounting procedures.
D) David's knowledge of the human digestive system helps him understand the digestive system of an earthworm.

Accepted Answer

The transfer of knowledge from basic math skills to specific accounting procedures is an example of vertical transfer, as it involves applying foundational knowledge to a more advanced, specialized field. The other options involve lateral transfer, where skills or knowledge learned in one context are applied in a similar context.

Question 13

Which one of the following illustrates positive transfer?
A) Robert is trying to learn the spelling of the word shepherd. He remembers that he learned to spell tomcat by putting two words together and so writes "sheepherd."
B) Vince notices that rules of grammar are not always the same in English and Japanese.
C) Zelda uses the formula for calculating the area of a circle when she wants to know how much bigger a 10-inch pizza is than a 7-inch pizza.
D) David is trying to learn to program a computer. He reads his programming manual but is confused by some of its instructions.

Accepted Answer

Using the formula for calculating the area of a circle to find the area of a pizza is an example of positive transfer because Zelda applied her knowledge about one concept (the area of a circle) to understand another concept (the area of a pizza). The other options do not demonstrate positive transfer. Option A is an example of negative transfer, as Robert's previous knowledge about spelling tomcat incorrectly influenced his spelling of shepherd. Option B is an example of zero transfer, as Vince's observation that grammar rules differ between English and Japanese does not impact his understanding of either language. Option D does not provide enough information to determine if it is an example of transfer at all.

Question 14

Weston is working on a science project and wants to make his papier-mâché volcano "erupt." He remembers that when his mother combined vinegar and baking soda while following a recipe, the batter foamed up as she added the vinegar. So he tries mixing vinegar and baking soda in his volcano, and the mixture bubbles. Weston is showing:
A) General transfer
B) Intuitive transfer
C) Negative transfer
D) Specific transfer

Accepted Answer

Weston is showing specific transfer, as he remembered the specific combination of vinegar and baking soda from his mother's recipe and applied it to his own project. He is using the knowledge from a specific context and applying it to a similar context.

Question 15

Which one of the following teachers is clearly keeping the notion of situated learning in mind as he or she helps students transfer what they are learning in school?
A) Ms. Sporer asks her students to speculate about what might have happened if the Europeans had not "discovered" the New World until the 1800s.
B) Mr. Mendoza makes sure that each one of the students in his instrumental music class knows the difference between the treble and bass clefs.
C) Ms. Sabih gives each of her elementary art students a hunk of clay and then says, "I'd like you to mold your clay into a mythical creature of some kind-into an animal that no one has ever seen before."
D) Mr. Gerberg takes his middle school math students to the grocery store so that they can use their math skills to do some comparison shopping.

Accepted Answer

Mr. Gerberg is applying situated learning by engaging students in a real-world context (the grocery store) where they can directly apply the math skills they are learning in a practical, everyday situation. This helps students see the relevance of their learning and facilitates the transfer of knowledge to new contexts.

Question 16

Which one of the following examples best illustrates the notion of situated learning as it relates to transfer?
A) When Rachel learns the concept inertia, she immediately recalls a variety of real-world phenomena that the concept can account for.
B) Lucinda doesn't enjoy her history class because her teacher expects students to memorize a lot of names, dates, and places.
C) Eleanor enjoys physical education class because she always feels more energized afterward.
D) It doesn't occur to Jennie that she can use algebra to solve a problem in her chemistry class.

Accepted Answer

Situated learning emphasizes learning in context, and Jennie's failure to transfer algebra to chemistry illustrates a lack of recognizing the applicability of knowledge across different contexts.

Question 17

Which one of the following pieces of advice is most consistent with current beliefs about transfer?
A) "Take calculus to help you develop your critical thinking skills."
B) "Study German so that you'll have an easier time learning Japanese next year."
C) "Taking an advanced history class will help you think more abstractly about the various subjects you will study in college."
D) "Use your knowledge of algebra to simplify this chemistry equation."

Accepted Answer

The concept of transfer involves applying knowledge and skills learned in one context to new contexts. The advice to use algebra knowledge to simplify a chemistry equation is a direct application of mathematical skills to solve problems in another domain (chemistry), which aligns with current understandings of how transfer works.

Question 18

Nathan has been playing golf with his parents for many years. When he goes out for the school baseball team, he has trouble hitting the ball because he keeps confusing the swing of the bat with how he swings a golf club. Nathan's difficulty is the result of:
A) Vertical transfer
B) Mental set in problem solving
C) Rote learning
D) Negative transfer

Accepted Answer

Nathan is experiencing negative transfer, which is when prior learning interferes with the learning of a new skill or task. In this case, the motor movements of swinging a golf club are interfering with the motor movements required for swinging a baseball bat.

Question 19

Considering factors that affect transfer, identify the group of students most likely to transfer what they are learning.
A) Students in Mr. Allen's geography class are studying several countries this week, memorizing the locations of their rivers and major cities.
B) Students in Ms. Elbert's music class are practicing major chords in different keys this semester, practicing each one in a variety of songs.
C) Students in Mr. Ivy's science class are studying the characteristics of mammals and reptiles this week.
D) Students in Ms. Martin's social studies class are studying major events in the history of Mexico this month, beginning with the Aztec empire and continuing until the present time.

Accepted Answer

The students in Ms. Elbert's music class are practicing major chords in different keys across a variety of songs. This provides opportunities for the students to practice and apply the skill in various contexts, which enhances transfer. As they encounter major chords in different songs, they will strengthen their ability to recognize and play them in future situations, making it more likely that they will transfer what they learned to new pieces of music.

Question 20

Considering contemporary theorists' views on general transfer, which one of the following skills is most likely to transfer across very different situations?
A) The ability to take good notes on a lecture
B) The ability to remember complex ideas
C) The ability to memorize a poem
D) The ability to solve challenging problems

Accepted Answer

The answer of Considering contemporary theorists' views on general transfer,...

Quiz 14: Learning and Technology

Leo has recently studied the principle of reinforcement in his psychology class. He is now trying to teach his daughter good table manners. From an information processing perspective of transfer, is Leo likely to use the principle of reinforcement in helping his daughter learn manners?

Which one of the following is the best example of negative transfer?

Ms. Kaehler is hoping that the students in her mathematics class will transfer the things they learn in class to real-world situations. Which one of the following things should she not do?

Mary's parents want her to study advanced mathematics as a way of helping her remember her lines in theater productions. Considering research on transfer, are Mary's parents correct? Will studying advanced mathematics help Mary learn her lines more readily?

Which one of the following most clearly illustrates general as opposed to specific) transfer?

Francis learns that the Spanish word malo means "bad." He later learns that the French word mal also means "bad." Analyzing this situation in terms of the similarity of stimuli and responses, we can predict that Francis will:

According to Thorndike's theory of identical elements, in which one of the following situations are we most likely to find positive transfer?

Which one of the following is the best example of inert knowledge?

Which one of the following most clearly illustrates vertical as opposed to lateral) transfer?

Which one of the following illustrates positive transfer?

Which one of the following teachers is clearly keeping the notion of situated learning in mind as he or she helps students transfer what they are learning in school?

Which one of the following examples best illustrates the notion of situated learning as it relates to transfer?

Which one of the following pieces of advice is most consistent with current beliefs about transfer?

Nathan has been playing golf with his parents for many years. When he goes out for the school baseball team, he has trouble hitting the ball because he keeps confusing the swing of the bat with how he swings a golf club. Nathan's difficulty is the result of:

Considering factors that affect transfer, identify the group of students most likely to transfer what they are learning.

Considering contemporary theorists' views on general transfer, which one of the following skills is most likely to transfer across very different situations?