This paper reports on an experimental study whose principal purpose was to determine the effect of social reinforcement and no social reinforcement as used with two formats of material (programed and non-programed instruction) to: (1) gain knowledge about the use of radio in Extension teaching; and (2) improve performance in radio broadcasting. The second purpose was to determine: (1) when and where professional staff study self-instructional materials in on-the-job situations; and (2) their attitude toward independent study methods. Thirty two University of Wisconsin Extension Community Program Staff were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. Two received programed instruction units, and two non-programed instruction units. Positive social reinforcement was given to half of them through verbal communication and telephone calls. A knowledge test administered two weeks after the staff completed the use of the material showed that there were no significant differences in the resulting knowledge of test scores or in gains in radio broadcast performance. (author/pt)