ERIC Number: EJ894117
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Sep
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0144-929X
EISSN: N/A
Stress Training and Simulator Complexity: Why Sometimes More Is Less
Tichon, Jennifer G.; Wallis, Guy M.
Behaviour & Information Technology, v29 n5 p459-466 Sep 2010
Through repeated practice under conditions similar to those in real-world settings, simulator training prepares an individual to maintain effective performance under stressful work conditions. Interfaces offering high fidelity and immersion can more closely reproduce real-world experiences and are generally believed to result in better learning outcomes. However, absolute fidelity in stress training is not critical for skills to be transferable. The present study compared the performance outcomes achieved by trainees using two different simulator types to complete a training program aimed at improving decision-making skills. The purpose of this research was to assess both the overall level of training effectiveness and to determine whether performance levels were influenced when high (160 degree curved wide screen) versus low fidelity (small cab-based flat screen) simulator types were in use. Sixty-three train drivers drove for 40 min on a simulated track on which they encountered four major high stress driving events. One year later, 42 of the original drivers returned and repeated the training scenario a second and third time. Results revealed trainees using the lower fidelity flat screen simulator made fewer errors in both years than trainees using the high fidelity curved screen simulator. The implications of these results are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Computer Simulation, Simulated Environment, Computer Assisted Instruction, Training Methods, Trainees, Stress Variables, Stress Management, Reinforcement, Responses, Reaction Time, Behavior Modification, Repetition, Decision Making Skills, Job Skills, Skill Development, Transfer of Training, Comparative Analysis, Instructional Effectiveness, Transportation, Work Environment, Task Analysis, Driver Education, Safety, Accident Prevention
Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A