A Procedural Guide to Cognitive Task Analysis: The PARI Methodology.

Abstract

Abstract : Developing effective instruction for complex problem-solving tasks requires analysis of the cognitive processes and structures that contribute to task performance. This report describes the data collection procedures associated with a cognitive task analysis technique known as the PARI (precursor, action, result, and interpretation) methodology. The methodology is being developed under the Basic Job Skills (BJS) program and constitutes one component of an integrated technology for developing and delivering training of cognitively complex tasks. The data collection procedures can be considered an extension of existing task analysis techniques and are based on studies of over 200 Air Force technicians in aircraft maintenance specialties whose primary task is troubleshooting. The procedures derived from these studies impose a structure on the knowledge acquisition task which captures the cognitive as well as the behavioral components of troubleshooting skill. The structured interview approach yields data that allow qualitative comparisons of problem-solving performances within and across technical skill levels. Such analyses have informed instruction developed under the BJS program by revealing the developmental course of skill acquisition and the components of expertise which are the training targets. More recent analyses have identified skill and knowledge commonalities across maintenance specialties and are informing training designed to facilitate knowledge transfer. A future goal of the BJS program is to examine the generality of the PARI methodology and the extent to which it can be applied to problem-solving tasks in nonmaintenance domains.