Using Computer-Assisted Instruction to Teach Axis-H of the DSM-III-R to Social Work Students

Abstract

An Apple Macintosh HyperCard interactive educational program was designed to train social work graduate students in making accurate diagnoses with DSM-III-R Axis II diagnostic criteria. The teaching efficacy of this hypermedia program (HyperAxis II) was tested in an experiment in which 22 first-year social work graduate students were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group used HyperAxis II, whereas the second group used a training manual con taining the same information. Both groups had statistically significant increases in diagnostic speed and accuracy. Although the HyperAxis II group rated the computer program more difficult to use than the control group rated the training manual, they demonstrated significantly stronger liking for the computer program as an instructional medium.