Effect of Training Device on Retention and Transfer of a Procedural Task

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of three different training devices with respect to initial training, retention, and transfer of training. The training devices evaluated during the study were designed to require varying degrees of visual imagery utilization through reductions in the stimuli that provide visual cueing and feedback. The particular task used was representative of the many sequential procedures performed which range from operating master control panels in industrial plants to conducting normal and emergency procedures in air vehicles. The results of the study indicate that: (1) training devices do not need to be of high fidelity to be effective in training procedural tasks and (2) the use of a training strategy that requires the trainees to provide their own cueing and feedback from memory is effective in increasing the retention of procedure-following skills. These results have important implications for both the dollar cost and logistics of initial and refresher training, as well as for the retention efficiency of an important aspect of the human's present job description.