Transfer of training as analogical mapping

Research was conducted to clarify the role of similarity in transfer of training. Subjects learned a procedure for operating a simulated device and were asked to transfer the knowledge of the procedure to a new device. Two factors were varied: (1) the systematicity of the original device model (i.e. whether the subjects were given a coherent causal model or simply a set of operating procedures); and (2) the transparency of the mapping, or degree of surface similarity between corresponding device components. The dependent measure was the number of trials to a criterion in the original and transfer device. Having a systematic mental model both facilitated learning of the initial device and promoted transfer to the target device. Transparency had strong effects on transfer: subjects learned the new device faster when corresponding pairs of components were similar than when noncorresponding pairs were similar.<>