Crew Resource Management Training Effectiveness: A Meta-Analysis and Some Critical Needs

Abstract

Empirical studies of crew resource management (CRM) training effectiveness were subjected to meta-analysis. Sixteen CRM evaluation studies were found to fulfill the a priori criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The metrics of CRM training effectiveness analyzed were reactions, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. CRM-trained participants responded positively to CRM (a mean of 4 on a 5—point Likert scale). The training had large effects on the participants' attitudes and behaviors and a medium effect on their knowledge. The findings from the meta-analysis are encouraging for the effectiveness of CRM training. However, there is a need for researchers and reviewers to be more rigorous about the data included in research reporting CRM evaluation to allow effect sizes to be calculated.