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Catrambone, R. & Holyoak, K. J. (1989) Overcoming contextual limitations on problem-solving transfer. Journal of Experimental Psychology 15:6, 1147--1156. 

@Article{,
  author = 	 {Richard Catrambone and Keith J. Holyoak},
  title = 	 {Overcoming contextual limitations on
problem-solving transfer},
  journal = 	 {Journal of Experimental Psychology},
  year = 	 {1989},
  OPTvolume = 	 {15},
  OPTnumber = 	 {6},
  OPTpages = 	 {1147--1156},
}

Author of the summary: Jim Davies, 2002, jim@jimdavies.org

Cite this paper for:

All experiments dealt with the Duncker fortress/radiation problem.

Experiment 1:

Ss got two examples. Group 1 was asked to compare them, group 2 was not. The comparison group was more likely to solve it without a hint.

Experiment 2:

Little or no analogical transfer is obtained after a delay without a hint. Undirected similarity comparisons and highly abstract questions about structural similarity didn't help with long term transfer.

Experiment 3:

Long term transfer is improved by varying the wording as to focus the solution relevant stuff.

Experiment 4:

More directed comparison instructions induce to focus on the solution features.

Experiment 5:

Replication of 4 with a week long delay instead of 30 minutes. No differences.

Discussion

Shifts in context hamper solution, not passage of time.

Summary author's notes:

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