The Relationship of Information System Training Methods and Cognitive Ability to End-User Satisfaction, Comprehension, and Skill Transfer: A Longitudinal Field Study
Authors: Simon, Steven J.; Grover, Varun; Teng, James T. C.; Whitcomb, Kathleen
Journal: Information Systems Research (1996)
DOI: 10.1287/isre.7.4.466
<jats:p> This study compares traditional and nontraditional training techniques with regard to computer related training. Its purpose was to determine which training methods could best be utilized in computer related training to maximize a trainee's retention of material and transfer of learning. A field experiment was conducted using two hundred members of active duty U.S. Naval Construction Battalion as subjects. Evaluation of trainees included a pre-training screening, post-training evaluation (immediately after training), and a follow-up session (four weeks after the post-training session) utilizing previously validated instruments. Training treatments included instruction (lecture), exploration (independent study), and a nontraditional technique—behavior modeling (an enhanced combination of the other two methods). Performance outcomes were operationalized using hands-on task performance and comprehension of the computer system as dependent variables. End-user satisfaction with the computer system was also measured. Two covariates, cognitive ability and system use, were also introduced into the study. The use of hands-on training methods, especially behavior modeling, resulted…