Abstract
Since 1982, a research project has been underway to develop, introduce, and evaluate simulation-oriented computer-based instruction (SO/CBI) as a method to train diagnostic skills for emergency diesel generators in the commercial nuclear power industry. The first and second phases of this three-part study were reported at the 1983 and 1984 Human Factors Annual Meeting, respectively. The final phase, evaluation, is described in this paper. This evaluation used an analysis of variance experimental design to assess students' transfer from SO/CBI or control training to actual on-the-job diagnostic performance in a nuclear power station. The results are based on a sample of 39 plant operators and technicians. In general, this study showed that students receiving SO/CBI performed as well as students who had received training via traditional techniques (e.g., lecture, plant walkthrough, etc.). In addition to this summary finding, maintenance technicians who received SO/CBI made significantly fewer serious diagnostic errors.
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