Effects of Simulation Fidelity on Learning Transfer

Abstract

Abstract
 
 This paper examines, via literature review, the relationship between simulation fidelity and transfer of learning to the operational environment. This paper focuses on the application of simulation to medical, maritime and aviation training. The literature showed that, contrary to intuition, novice learners derived little benefit from high-fidelity simulation. There were even some indications that high-fidelity simulation could impair transfer for novice learners. The literature showed that expert, or near expert, learners required high-fidelity simulation for effective transfer. The literature also showed strong evidence that cognitive skill transfer required high levels of cognitive fidelity, but was mostly unrelated to physical and functional fidelity. There was little information regarding the link between psychomotor and procedural skill transfer and cognitive fidelity.
 Keywords: Simulation, fidelity, learning transfer, skill transfer