Device-task Fidelity and Transfer of Training
Aircraft Cockpit Procedures Training
Description:... The objective of the research was to evaluate the training effectiveness of two cockpit procedures training devices, differing greatly in their physical fidelity (and, consequently, cost), in the teaching of ground cockpit procedures for a twin-engine, turboprop, fixed wing aircraft. One group of students received training in cockpit procedures in a relatively expensive, sophisticated, high-fidelity, computerized cockpit procedures trainer, while another group were trained in an inexpensive, low-fidelity mockup of the aircraft cockpit. Their subsequent performance in the actual aircraft was compared with that of a control group who received all of their procedures training in the aircraft. Results indicated that both training devices produced significant transfer of training, in terms of error and time reduction, in performance in the actual aircraft. There were no significant differences in training effectiveness of the two devices, in spite of their great differences in physical fidelity and cost. Implications for the design of procedures training devices and associated training programs are discussed. (Author).
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