Access Type

Open Access Dissertation

Date of Award

1-1-1998

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Instructional Technology

First Advisor

Dr. Rita Richey

Abstract

This study was an effort to develop and validate a model for constructing job performance aids for use in high risk environments. The study resulted in the development of a generic conceptual design model that was applicable to a wide variety of job performance aid designs and the development of a task-specific procedural design model targeted to high risk situations. The models were based upon a synthesis of instructional technology and human factor literature and a series of interviews with instructional design and human factor experts. A job performance aid was developed using the procedural design model for use by corporate aviation cabin crewmembers. The procedural design model was then validated by comparing the performances of an experimental group and a control group of professional cabin crewmembers who conducted an emergency procedure in an aircraft cabin simulator. The experimental group used the job performance aid and the control group did not. The findings of this study indicated that: (a) the development of a conceptual model was an important factor in the development of a procedural model, (b) project analysis was a critical step in job performance aid design for high-risk environments, (c) the job performance aid improved performance, and (d) training was an important consideration for job aid design and that it was an important factor in job aid implementation into high-risk environments. The study discussed modeling, the role of imagination, and implementation considerations for the successful creation and use of job performance aids. It was argued that it was necessary to identify and explore the variables that influenced job performance aid design. Furthermore, it was argued that imagination took a new role in job performance aid design which included the prediction of potential design errors. And, it was argued that training was a necessary ingredient for successful implementation of job performance aids in high-risk environments. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were made to practitioners in the field and recommendations were made to researchers for areas that warranted future study.

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