Direct Observation in the Conduct of Training Impact Analyses
Abstract
Important training issues are sometimes not considered when examining the relative merits of competing candidates for an operational system requirement. This is particularly true early in the product development cycle. To address this concern, training impact analysis methods were developed and implemented within the context of an Operational Test (OT) of antitank weapon systems and an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) of off-the-shelf technologies for urban operations. Data collected were predominately observational, consisting of time-referenced specimen records documented sequentially within their naturally occurring context. These data were used to identify and compare the tasks soldiers had to learn and perform with different candidate systems. Subjective judgments were made about the relative complexity and difficulty of tasks across systems. Relative to a baseline technology or predecessor system, each candidate was ultimately judged to have either a positive, neutral, or negative potential impact on the institutional and unit training base. Training impact rankings of systems were based on the relative numbers of tasks involved, the relative complexity and difficulty of each task, and the relative levels of training resources needed to achieve operational proficiency. Finally, several potential uses of training impact information are suggested.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377177
Entities
People
- Jean L. Dyer
- Kewnneth L. Evans
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences