Effects of instructional aids on the acquisition of dynamic decision-making skills

This study tested the effects of two instructional aids in a complex, dynamic environment, specifically, a business simulation. Participants studied (1) a “causal map,” which depicted key variables in an interconnected network, (2) a textual outline of the same relationships, or (3) no-aid. With the relevant aid still available, the participants ran the simulation three times. Then, the aid was removed, and the participants ran another three simulations. Both when the aid was available and later when removed, the group receiving the causal map gained a greater market share than the other two groups, which failed to differ. With respect to profits, however, a cross-over interaction appeared. When the aid was available, the causal map group showed lower profits than the other two groups, but, without the aid, the causal map group showed greater profits. The results are discussed in the context of information processing theories of instructional design.

► Study of a diagrammatic map enhances acquisition of a dynamic decision-making skill.
► After initial study, continued availability of the map can hamper performance.
► Complexity of a strategy needed for a goal can interact negatively with the map.