Human Systems/Subsystems Research: Development of Criterion Measures to Assess Retention and Decay of Aerospace Physiology Knowledge & Skills

PDRI proposes to develop two criterion measures to assess retention and decay of Aerospace Physiology (AP) knowledge and skills. The standard criterion measure for measuring knowledge/skill retention and decay is a Job Knowledge Test (JKT). Therefore we will develop a multiple-choice JKT using expert aassistance from AP training staff. The JKT will measure the foundation of AP knowledge and skills, i.e., factual information. We also propose to develop a criterion measure that assesses application of AP knowledge and skills in realistic situations encountered on the job. PDRI researchers have pioneered innovative, cost-effective methods for developing and administering such situational tests. The situational test will present respondents with a series of job-relevant situations and ask them to indciate wich of several alternative actions would be most effective and which would be least effective in each situation. We will capitalize on the expertise of AP training staff and aircrew members to develop realistic situations and response alternatives. The situational test can be administered to large groups using a paper-and-pencil format. Thus it is very cost-effective to administer, yet provides a realistic work simulation criterion measure.