Effects of optimistic versus realistic previews of training programs on self‐reported transfer of training

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of realistic versus optimistic previews of training programs on training transfer. Hicks and Klimoski (1987) suggested that a realistic training preview should increase trainee motivation by clarifying expectations and by matching training programs to individual needs. In contrast, this study predicted that an informative and optimistic training preview would not only help trainees see the relevance of the training program to their own jobs but also increase outcome expectations, self‐efficacy, motivation, learning, and transfer. When quantity of information was held constant across training preview conditions, the optimistic training preview had a more positive impact on outcome expectations, motivation, learning, reactions to training, and transfer than the realistic training preview.