Training Effects in a Low Fidelity Combat Vehicle Simulator

Abstract

A study of training effects in a combat vehicle simulator was performed at two occasions, first during the early part of the vehicle crews’ education and second during the later part. The focus of the study was on fidelity, presence, fun, motivation, feedback, learning in the simulator, and transfer of training. Learning in the simulator was rated highest at the early occasion; nevertheless both learning and transfer of training were rated relatively high at both occasions. This indicates positive training effects in a fairly simple low fidelity simulator. Finally a preliminary model of the causal relations between the aspects of training was created by structural equations modeling. The model indicates that the training environment (measured by rated feedback, presence, fidelity, motivation, and fun) had a positive influence on the training in the simulator (measured by rated learning in the simulator and transfer of training to the real combat vehicle).