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When and where do we apply what we learn?: A taxonomy for far transfer

Barnett, Susan M., Ceci, Stephen J.·2002·Psychological Bulletin

DOI 10.1037/0033-2909.128.4.612

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Abstract

Despite a century's worth of research, arguments surrounding the question of whether far transfer occurs have made little progress toward resolution. The authors argue the reason for this confusion is a failure to specify various dimensions along which transfer can occur, resulting in comparisons of "apples and oranges." They provide a framework that describes 9 relevant dimensions and show that the literature can productively be classified along these dimensions, with each study situated at the intersection of various dimensions. Estimation of a single effect size for far transfer is misguided in view of this complexity. The past 100 years of research shows that evidence for transfer under some conditions is substantial, but critical conditions for many key questions are untested.

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Authors: Barnett, S. M., & Ceci, S. J.
Affiliations: Cornell University (US)
ORCID: Ceci, Stephen J.
Venue: Psychological Bulletin
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2002
Volume: 128
Issue: 4
Pages: 612-637
ISSN: 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
1939-1455
DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.128.4.612
OpenAlex: W2094192576
Semantic Scholar: e43a3199d5f9070f595c7f37dcc71f17589bbab9
Cited by: 2,076
References: 126
Citations by year: 2026: 165 · 2025: 123 · 2024: 128 · 2023: 116 · 2022: 121 · 2021: 129 · 2020: 166 · 2019: 163 · 2018: 88 · 2017: 94 · 2016: 112 · 2015: 72 · 2014: 99 · 2013: 100 · 2012: 79
FWCI: 6.62
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Human Resource Development and Performance Evaluation
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational and Psychological Assessments
Keywords: far transfer, transfer of learning, effect size estimation
MeSH terms: Attention, Child, Concept Formation, Generalization, Psychological, Humans, Learning, Mental Recall, Transfer, Psychology

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When and where do we apply what we learn?: A taxonomy for far transfer

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