What does it mean by a lateral and a vertical learning curve?

Sumita Patra
Analyst at Accenture
What does it mean by a lateral and a vertical learning curve?


Steve Durkee
Market Strategist/Analyst/Executive Director
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Typically vertical learning is used to describe a methodologically based analytical approach. That is to say that the personal using a vertical learning approach is more exact in their ways of measuring. By contrast lateral learning is not variable specific and looks for can be learned overall in the experience. It proceeds to generate a direction, whereas vertical learning only proceeds if there is a direction. The curve for each is different. A lateral learning curve would measure the amount of approaches found to addressing a specific issue. In contrast, the vertical learning curve would measure the ability to define a particular concept.