Development and Transfer of Timesharing Skills

Abstract

This experiment identifies the contribution of timesharing skills to performance on two qualitatively different task combinations. To examine this contribution, a measurement technique was developed which partitioned improvement in multiple-task performance into a component due to improved single-task skills and a component due to improved timesharing skills. Transfer of timesharing skills between the task combinations also was examined. The results indicated that identifiable timesharing skills developed with practice and contributed significantly to performance on both task combinations. Evidence of transfer of timesharing skills also was found. The implications of the results for training are discussed.