Which term describes transfer where prior experience inhibits current performance?

• A. Prior inhibits present
• B. Prior has no effect on present
• C. Transfer of skill between limbs
• D. Prior promotes present

Answer: (A)

The concept here is negative transfer. When previous learning gets in the way of performing a new, related task, it hinders current performance. Saying that “the prior inhibits the present” describes this idea in plain language, and the standard term used is negative transfer.

In contrast, zero transfer would mean the prior has no effect; transfer between limbs points to bilateral transfer; and positive transfer would mean prior learning helps the new task. An example of negative transfer is when skills from one sport or variation cause incorrect habits to be applied to a different but similar task, leading to errors or slower performance.