FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instructional TechniquesMedium
An instrument student who learned to rely heavily on outside visual references during VFR training has difficulty trusting the instruments and keeps glancing outside during early instrument lessons, degrading scan performance. This interference of a previously learned habit with new learning is an example of:
- AOverlearning
- BPositive transfer of learning
- CLaw of Recency
- DNegative transfer of learning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Negative transfer of learning
Negative transfer occurs when a previously learned habit or skill interferes with the acquisition of a new skill, exactly as the VFR habit of looking outside interferes with developing a proper instrument scan.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Overlearning refers to continued practice after mastery, not interference from prior habits.
- B. Positive transfer would mean the prior VFR skill helps rather than hinders the new skill.
- C. Recency concerns the timing of recall, not interference between skills.
Negative Transfer of Learning
When previously learned skills or habits interfere with the acquisition of a new, different skill.
- Opposite of positive transfer
- Common when old habits conflict with new procedures
- Instructors must identify and correct these interfering habits early
Memory trick: Positive helps, Negative hurts—like a plus and minus sign fighting.