Study of Training Equipment and Individual Differences: The Effects of Subject Matter Variables. Report and Supplementary Report.

Abstract : The work reported here was a three month effort undertaken for two closely related purposes. First, because a recently completed experimental study (Tallmadge, Shearer, and Greenberg, 1968) produced results which indicated that factors not previously considered had a profound effect on learner characteristic-instructional method relationships, a need was perceived for reexamining related studies to determine whether their apparently conflicting results could be explained in terms of these new findings. The second purpose was to use all available information in order to lay out some preliminary plans for future research. A conceptual model was developed, based on a literature analysis and discussions with other scientists concerned with this problem, which organizes type of learning, type of instruction, and type of subject matter into a three dimensional matrix which the authors argue should be used to guide future research. Based on the model and other considerations, preliminary plans were formulated for a study to demonstrate that significant effectiveness gains can be achieved through designing training to match specific learner characteristics. (Author)