A Performance Evaluation: Microfiche versus Hardcopy
Abstract
The primary purpose of the study was to replicate an experiment previously conducted by Baldwin and Bailey (1971) in order to establish the reproducibility of their results in a different user environment. Twelve psychometric instruments employing technical training materials which required various types of visual skills were used in the testing. Three forms of each test exercise were reproduced: hardcopy, positive-image microfiche, and negative-image microfiche. No significant differences in performance were found between positive and negative-image microfiche presentations. These results generally substantiate those reported by Baldwin and Bailey. Further analyses demonstrated that the reader presentation primarily affected the speed at which the subjects worked while accuracy was not differentially affected by the presentation mode. An analysis of the performance of subjects grouped according to Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores indicated that various intelligence groups were differentially affected by the mode of presentation. While statistical differences were found in a number of test exercises, no fundamental difficulties were encountered which would bar future utilization of microform materials in technical training programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0734740
Entities
People
- James P. Kottenstette
- Robert R. Grausnick
Organizations
- Denver Research Institute