Multiple Resource Contributions to Training

Abstract

Can training of a task be achieved using a different task drawing on the same mental resources? Subjects performed 5 successive blocks of trials, with bargraph recognition required in Blocks 1, 4, and 5. Blocks 2 and 3 either involved bargraph recognition (Group 1, n = 13), dot cluster recognition (Group 2, n = 14), or word number recognition (Group 3, n= 14). The majority of the practice effect across blocks was found to be due to practice within a previously identified “spatial quantitative” perceptual resource, regardless of whether the resource was instantiated in bargraph or dot cluster recognition. These results suggest that (a) training should focus on the target task's perceptual resources, and (b) training can use tasks different from the target task as long as the same resources are used. If these findings generalize, substantial savings in training costs may be achievable by using different, simplified tasks during training.