Final answer:
Transfer can both aid and hinder skill acquisition, where it can allow for application of skills in new contexts or mismatch with new tasks leading to stress. This is seen in cognitive skill development, workplace environments, and when reaching flow states in tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that transfer may either facilitate or hinder the acquisition of a skill is true. This can be seen in various contexts, including cognitive skill development through games and the workplace. Transferable skills can facilitate the acquisition of new abilities because the skills one has gained can be applied in various settings, thus contributing to further learning and task accomplishment. However, if there's a mismatch between prior skills and the new tasks, this transfer can hinder learning, as the individual may utilize incorrect or inappropriate strategies from past experiences.
Consider the example of flow states, which describe a level of engagement in tasks where one's skill level matches the challenge presented. These states are attainable when transfer from previous experiences positively impacts the current task, leading to enhanced performance and a pleasurable experience. Contrastingly, if prior experience leads to overconfidence or a clash with new requirements, transfer can become an obstacle, causing stress and hindering the learning curve. Thus, the effect of transfer on skill acquisition is nuanced and dependent on the context.