Mental Models for Effective Training: Comparing Expert and Novice Maintainers' Mental Models

Abstract

For a well-defined domain of knowledge, the process of learning can be characterized as a student's construction of a mental model of the domain's elements and their inter-relationships. It follows that a student's mental model can be compared against a desired mental model (such as an expert's) before, during, and at the conclusion of instruction. Differences between mental models could be useful for student diagnosis and assessment and for curriculum modification. In this investigation mental models of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE) usage for novice, intermediate, and expert U.S. Army ordnance electronics maintenance personnel were characterized and compared. Comparisons revealed differences between non-experts and experts, and also differences among experts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA499530

Entities

People

  • Robert C. Hubal

Organizations

  • RTI International

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Diagnostic Equipment
  • Electronics
  • Instructions
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Measurement
  • Psychology
  • Pulse Generators
  • Signal Generation
  • Signal Generators
  • Social Sciences
  • Students
  • Test Equipment
  • Training
  • Waveform Generators

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics