Posted: March 5th, 2016

Define the term transfer of learning. What is bilateral transfer?

You should be seated with the star-shaped tracing worksheets in front. Your partner should be holding an object, such as a book, above the table with it blocking your direct view of your hand. They will also time each trial for you. The mirror should be placed so you can see the worksheets on the table in the reflection of the mirror but still not them directly. The mirror and the screen covering the hand should be adjusted until you indicate that these characteristics are satisfied.
To begin a trial, you should place the pencil on one of the stars corners. You should start each trial with the pencil in the lower right point for the right hand or the lower left point for the left hand. When you are ready, say “Go” at which time your partner should begin timing the trial. It tends to be easier if you move in a counter-clockwise direction for the right hand or a clockwise direction for the left hand.
It is important that you try to not make any errors by going outside the lines. When an error occurs, you are to return to the pathway as close to the place where you left. An error is counted as a time when the pencil mark can be observed outside the pathway border. This might be hard to count on some occasions but make sure you try and record every error made.
A trial is completed when you return the pencil to the place where you began tracing. When this occurs, you should say “Stop” and the timer should stop timing. Record the amount of time required to complete the tracing. Once you finish one of the pathways, continue with the next. Make sure you record your time after each trial and count errors at the end. If you have other participants who can be involved, make sure that the participant completes the full number of trials in a row before swapping over.
The first trial should be done using the non-preferred hand. Then, trials 2 through 6 should be done using the preferred hand. Finally, trial 7 should be done using the non-preferred hand.
Scoring
Score = 100/(Seconds+Errors)
Note that better performance is designated by a higher score.
E.G. Trial 1 Score = 100/(53+20) Trial 1 Score = 100/73
Trial 1 Score = 1.36

Results
1.Present the results of the lab in a graph (e.g.,line graph )and present the percentage improvement score.
2. Interpret the results of the lab in relation to the aim of the lab (i.e.,what did you actually find). Was there bilateral transfer of learning?

Discussion Questions
1. Define the term transfer of learning. What is bilateral transfer?
2. Define the terms symmetric and asymmetric bilateral transfer. Explain how the
direction of bilateral transfer could influence learning?
3. Discuss two hypotheses that attempt to explain the advantage of bilateral
transfer (e.g. cognitive view and motor views). Which explanation best explains the effects of bilateral learning?