The transfer effect of leadup activities

Previous literature shows that operative laboratory performance can be significantly improved through leadup training where students complete simulated preparations in plastic blocks. Since the task requirements of most fixed prosthodontic preparations seem similar to those of operative dentistry, it may be hypothesized that leadup training utilizing operative-like preparations would facilitate performance in the projects of both courses. The objective of this study was to test that hypothesis. The performance of students who had completed the leadup training nine months earlier was compared with that of randomly selected control groups, with replacement, in a subsequent operative and fixed prosthodontics course. Calibrated raters were unaware of group affiliation of products. Analyses of variance showed that students in the experimental group statistically significantly outperformed those in the control group on the two operative preparations which were most like products completed during the leadup training. There was no such difference for any of the three fixed prosthodontics products. It is concluded that transfer of training is highly specific and that leadup training must simulate the criterion in both its cognitive and motor components, if it is to have a facilitating effect.