title: Practice variability and transfer of training: the role of self-efficacy generality.
abstract: Practice variability has been shown to enhance transfer of training. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of self-efficacy generality as a motivational mechanism in explaining the relationship between practice variability and transfer. Undergraduate students (N = 82) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 training conditions (constant or variable) for a computer decision-making task. Measures of self-efficacy (intensity and generality) and transfer (near and far) were assessed. The results provided support for some of the hypothesized relationships. Specifically, practice variability led to increased self-efficacy generality. Both self-efficacy intensity and generality influenced far transfer performance, although only self-efficacy generality served as a mediator between practice variability and far transfer.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Psychology MS 25, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, US. holladay@rice.edu
authors.forename: Courtney L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Holladay
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Quiñones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011897:Random Allocation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014163:Transfer, Psychology