A comparison of reference learning and comparative feedback using aircraft recognition multimedia software with military personnel

The Purpose of this thesis is to compare reference learning and comparative feedback using aircraft recognition multimedia software with military personnel. As part of an aircraft recognition multimedia software package called Know Your Combat Jets, 56 military participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups, model building, reference learning, and comparative feedback. All participants completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory to investigate personality differences in relation to task performance. Each group was allowed to interact with the instructional software with the alternate forms of learner control for a maximum of two hours. Then each soldier was given an aircraft recognition test to determine the effectiveness of each instructional method, followed by an exit survey of attitudes toward the experience.;The results showed significant differences between the comparative feedback and reference learning groups' performance on the test. On the exit questionnaire participants rated the experience as enjoyable and the software as being effective. Possible reasons for these results and implications for future instructional software design were discussed.