Information Transfer in Solving Problems
The study investigated the transfer between problems having related structures. Problems were related to the Hens and Rabbits (algebraic) and the Missionaries and Cannibals (puzzle) problems in four ways: equivalent, similar, special case, and generalization. The results indicated that transfer occurred for both the algebraic and puzzle problems, and significant transfer resulted when the generalization was solved first. Solving an equivalent problem was effective for the puzzle but not the algebraic problem, whereas the opposite was true for solving a similar problem. Solution of related problems helps subjects to focus on relevant strategies, but distantly related structures or different contexts appear to interfere with transfer in solving some problems.