This study was performed in response to the 1989 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, which directed the Department of Defense to conduct a study on the use of interactive videodisk technology in education and training as it pertains to effectiveness, cost effectiveness, time on task, retention, and overall applicability to current and future Department of Defense (DoD) training and education requirements. A quantitative meta analysis was performed of 31 evaluation studies concerned with interactive video instruction. Across the evaluation studies reviewed, interactive video instruction was found to be more effective than conventional approaches to instruction. The effectiveness was enhanced further by the utilization of more interactive features and directed rather than freeplay simulations. Use of interactive video can increase training efficiency by increasing opportunities for practice and requiring students to participate more actively in instruction. Three studies indicated that retention using interactive video instruction is at least equal to that found using other instructional approaches. Interactive video is a promising and cost-effective medium that will have a significant impact on military systems. An executive summary of a study of the effectiveness of interactive videodisk in army communications training and a list of organizations contacted are appended. (58 references and 2 tables) (GL)