The Effect of Electronic Aptitude on Performance of Proceduralized Troubleshooting Tasks
Report Number: AMRL TR 67-154
Author(s): Elliott, Thomas K.
Corporate Author(s): Applied Science Associates, Inc.
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories
Date of Publication: 1967-11
Pages: 54
Contract: AF 33(615)-3966
DoD Project: 1710
DoD Task: 171004
Identifier: AD0664889
Abstract:
After twelve hours training, twenty subjects with no prior training in electronics solved complete electronic equipment maintenance problems on a realistic equipment simulator, the MTS-2. Subjects selected were from two electronic aptitude groups (AQE-E1 45-60 and 80-95 percentiles). The problems were composed of equipment checkout, malfunctioning 'black box' isolation (within-stage troubleshooting), piecepart isolation (within-stage troubleshooting), and repair tasks. In lieu of expensive conventional electronic training, subjects were aided in the performance of the above tasks by troubleshooting guides which, given the result of previous checks, told subjects where to check next. Results of the study showed that aptitude had no effect on performance time, or errors in repair. A small but significant difference was noted in the ability of the two groups to isolate defective 'black boxes' and pieceparts; high-aptitude subjects performed somewhat better on this dimension.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine
Author(s): Elliott, Thomas K.
Corporate Author(s): Applied Science Associates, Inc.
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories
Date of Publication: 1967-11
Pages: 54
Contract: AF 33(615)-3966
DoD Project: 1710
DoD Task: 171004
Identifier: AD0664889
Abstract:
After twelve hours training, twenty subjects with no prior training in electronics solved complete electronic equipment maintenance problems on a realistic equipment simulator, the MTS-2. Subjects selected were from two electronic aptitude groups (AQE-E1 45-60 and 80-95 percentiles). The problems were composed of equipment checkout, malfunctioning 'black box' isolation (within-stage troubleshooting), piecepart isolation (within-stage troubleshooting), and repair tasks. In lieu of expensive conventional electronic training, subjects were aided in the performance of the above tasks by troubleshooting guides which, given the result of previous checks, told subjects where to check next. Results of the study showed that aptitude had no effect on performance time, or errors in repair. A small but significant difference was noted in the ability of the two groups to isolate defective 'black boxes' and pieceparts; high-aptitude subjects performed somewhat better on this dimension.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine