Question

Briefly define positive, negative, and zero transfer and give an example of each

Answer 1

There are three types of transfer of learning namely positive, negative and zero or neutral transfer. Here is the brief explanation of these:

Positive transfer : When learning in one situation eases the learning in some different situation, it is known as positive transfer. For example, skills in learning violin helps learning to play piano.

Negative transfer : When learning of one task makes the learning of another task harder, it is known as negative transfer. For example, speaking Telugu hindering the learning of Malayalam.

Zero transfer : When learning of one activity neither facilitates nor hinders the learning of another task, it is called as zero transfer. For example, knowledge of history in no way affects learning of driving a car.