Part-Task Training of Complex Tasks: Utility of Backward Transfer

Abstract

Previous studies using the backward transfer technique identified a set of component tasks that are potentially critical to a complex, desk-top flight simulator task. This study directly tested the importance of these tasks using a part-task training paradigm. One group of subjects received part-task training concentrating on the critical component tasks. A second group received part-task training on non-critical component tasks. The third group received whole-task training. Subjects receiving part-task training on the critical tasks performed as well as subjects in the whole-task condition. Females, but not males, receiving practice on the “non-critical” tasks were worse than females in the other two groups, suggesting an aptitude x treatment interaction. Results were not replicated on a transfer task. These data illustrate the importance of selecting component tasks for part-task training, and the utility of the backward transfer technique in identifying those tasks.