Negative Transfer: Definition, History, and Further Reading
Negative transfer, also known as interference or retroactive inhibition, is a type of learning in which prior knowledge hinders the acquisition of new knowledge or skills. It occurs when the transfer of information from one cognitive domain to another is unsuccessful due to conflicting information. Negative transfer is a form of cognitive interference, which occurs when information or skills acquired in one situation interfere with the learning of new information or skills in another situation.
The concept of negative transfer was first studied by psychologist Edward Thorndike in the early 1900s. Thorndike observed that when animals were tested on the same task with different stimuli, they did worse on the second task than on the first. This was later explained as negative transfer caused by interference from the first task. Thorndike’s work led to the establishment of the transfer of learning theory, which states that prior knowledge can be transferred to new tasks.
Since Thorndike’s initial study, negative transfer has been studied extensively. Research has shown that negative transfer can affect learning in a variety of contexts, including language, mathematics, motor skills, and problem-solving. Negative transfer can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect assumptions, overgeneralizations, incorrect strategies, and the misapplication of prior knowledge.
Negative transfer has important implications for education and instruction. To prevent negative transfer, teachers and instructors must ensure that students have a solid foundation of knowledge before introducing new material, and that the new material is presented in a way that does not conflict with existing knowledge.
Further Reading
Baddeley, A. (1999). Working memory: Theory and practice. Psychology Press.
Goswami, U., & Brown, A. (1999). Negative transfer in children’s mathematics: The role of prior knowledge and strategies. Cognitive Development, 14(1), 53-77.
Gustafson, S., & Balch, C. (1998). Beyond transfer of learning: Multiple perspectives on cognitive transfer. Educational Psychology Review, 10(3), 229-242.
Kaufman, J. (2017). Retroactive inhibition in the classroom. Educational Psychology Review, 29(2), 223-238.
Thorndike, E. L. (1913). Educational psychology. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University.