Positive transfer in skill learning occurs when what happens?

• A. A previously learned skill interferes with a new skill
• B. A previously learned skill has no impact on a new skill
• C. A previously learned skill benefits another skill
• D. A previously learned skill is forgotten quickly

Answer: (C)

Positive transfer happens when something learned before makes it easier to learn or perform a new skill. This occurs when the two skills share similar movements, timing, perceptual cues, or control strategies, so the prior learning provides a useful foundation for the new task. Because of that shared basis, practice on the new skill is more efficient and performance improves more quickly. For example, the balance and coordination from riding a bicycle can transfer to skating or rollerblading, since both require similar body control. That’s why this option is the best choice: a previously learned skill benefits another skill. If the old skill interfered with the new one, that would be negative transfer; if it had no impact, there would be no transfer; if it was forgotten, that would reflect decay.