Which of the following best exemplifies zero transfer of learning?

Concept

Transfer of learning is the effect that earlier learning has on performance in a new task.

The transfer is positive when prior learning helps, negative when it interferes, and zero when it has no meaningful effect because the tasks lack relevant common elements.

Application

Apply the definition to the wording of each offered scenario.

• Knowledge from one programming language is reused in another similar language; the prior learning helps the new task.

• Techniques learned in basketball are used to improve soccer skills; the prior learning helps the new task.

• The carpentry-and-painting scenario explicitly says that the two are learned independently and neither learning affects the other; the prior learning has no effect on the new task.

• A mathematical method is applied to physics problems; the prior learning helps the new task.

Cross-check

Under the definition, the first, second, and fourth scenarios describe prior learning being reused. Only the carpentry-and-painting scenario explicitly states that the two learning experiences do not affect each other, which is the defining test for zero transfer.

Result

Learning carpentry and later learning painting, with neither learning affecting the other, best exemplifies zero transfer of learning.