FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Learning ProcessHard
A student who has developed a strong habit of always trimming the aircraft nose-up immediately after every power increase in a Cessna 172 transitions to a twin-engine airplane where the same reflexive trim input, applied without checking actual pitch trends, causes the aircraft to be mismanaged during a go-around. This scenario best illustrates which concept?
- ALaw of primacy
- BNegative transfer of learning
- CPositive transfer of learning
- DExtinction of learning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Negative transfer of learning
Negative transfer of learning occurs when a previously learned habit or skill interferes with learning or performing a new, different task; the automatic trim habit from the 172 hinders correct performance in the twin because the situations differ enough that the old response is inappropriate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Law of primacy concerns how first-taught material is retained, not skill interference between contexts.
- C. Positive transfer would mean the old habit helps performance, not hinders it as described.
- D. Extinction refers to a learned response fading from disuse, not interference with a new task.
Negative Transfer of Learning
Occurs when previously learned skills or habits interfere with the acquisition or performance of new, different skills.
- Opposite of positive transfer
- Common when tasks appear similar but require different responses
- Instructors must identify and correct maladaptive habits during transition training
Memory trick: Negative transfer = old habits tripping you up on new gear