In an effort to better align item development to goals of assessing higher-order tasks and decision making, complex decision trees were developed to follow clinical reasoning scripts and used as models on which multiple-choice questions could be built. This approach is compatible with best-practice assessment frameworks like Evidence Centered…

This teaching case discusses the analysis of an electronic voting system. The development of the case was motivated by research into information security and management, but as it includes procedural aspects, organizational structure and personnel, it is a suitable basis for all aspects of systems analysis, planning and design tasks. The material…

Analyzes the procedure for playing "Life Game" in three major phases: (1) information processing analysis, (2) path analysis, and (3) hierarchical analysis. (Author/JEG)

This approach to task analysis includes descriptions of (1) inputs, outputs, and jobs; (2) flow of materials and decisions between jobs; (3) inputs, major tasks, and outputs of each job; (4) sequence of steps for major tasks; (5) heuristics/algorithms for each sequence step; and (6) information needed to use heuristics algorithms. (EAO)

Discussion of the role of small group performance focuses on solving problems to improve performance. Types of tasks and their effects on groups are described; group resources are discussed; factors affecting group process are explained; and a flowchart for solving group performance problems is presented. (LRW)

Discusses three task analysis techniques utilized at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to review training programs: analysis of (1) job positions, (2) procedures, and (3) instructional presentations. All of these include task breakdown, relationship determination, and task restructuring. (MBR)

This resource guide for the use of job aids ("how-to-do-it" guidance) for activities identified in the first phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD) contains an introduction to the use of job aids, as well as descriptive authoring flowcharts for Blocks I.2 through I.5. The introduction includes definitions;…

The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Section of the UCLA Biomedical Library was studied in an attempt to develop a methodology for analyzing interlibrary loan associated costs that would be generalizable to other libraries. Other objectives included developing standards of performance to monitor staff productivity and correcting imbalances in the flow of…

Hierarchical task analysis (HTA), which requires description of a task in terms of a hierarchy of operations and plans, is reviewed and examined as a basis for making training decisions. Benefits of HTA in terms of economy of analysis and as a means of accounting for complex performance are outlined. (Author/MBR)

Describes and compares three approaches to task analysis--behaviorally-based, concept-based, and cognitive process-based--and provides four tentative recommendations for determining which approach is appropriate in a particular situation. Five flowcharts and fourteen references are included. (MBR)

Illustrates the use of a flow chart to facilitate planning of laboratory exercises by two chemical examples. (AL)

Distinguishes between the process and products of science and describes the role of each in Instructional Development (ID). The observe, hypothesize, test components of the scientific process are examined as they apply to front-end analysis, instructional strategy description, and formative evaluation stages used in ID models. Thirty-four…

Provides an overview of purpose, procedures, and products for the manager of management training and development and for managers who wish to take responsibility for improving the cost-effectiveness of upgrading their own skills. Twelve references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Presents a job aid for determining test-item format called TIFAID (Test Item Format Job Aid), based on adequately constructed instructional objectives. The four sections of the job aid are described: (1) a task classification system; (2) task-related questions; (3) a flowchart; and (4) a tips and techniques guide. (Contains four references.) (LRW)