Transfer of Training and the Measurement of Training Effectiveness

Transfer of training research has been conducted on actual training systems to determine: (1) the effectiveness of present training; (2) whether the training can be improved; and, (3) how the training might be improved. The present paper includes some major methodological and analytical considerations in performing this research—the experimental and descriptive models to use in investigating and expressing transfer, cost effectiveness evaluations, and aspects of the training system to be included in the study. A number of conclusions are derived from the transfer research and some popular research themes are identified. Desirable features for an applied research program for military training purposes are presented. Problems arising from the use of the transfer of training model are traced to operational constraints placed on experimental manipulation and control, and to the inadequacy of performance measurement systems. Solutions to these problems are discussed. One solution provides alternate methods to the transfer of training model for evaluating the effectiveness of a training system. Another approach recommends the employment of laboratory simulations of training or operational situations for transfer research.