Candidate: Ryan Olson

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Psychology

Title: An Analysis of Student Progress in Beginning Flight Training: Performance Prediction, Performance Measurement, and Performance Improvement

Committee:
Dr. John Austin, Chair
Dr. Raymond Cain
Dr. Alyce Dickinson
Dr. Alan Poling

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
3715 Wood Hall

Abstract:
The current project was designed to analyze the progress and learning challenges of beginning flight students (N = 28) by: (a) evaluating the effects of early supplemental training on a personal computer-based aviation training device (PCATD), (b) evaluating the CogScreenTM Aeromedical Edition (CogScreen-AE) test as a predictor of performance, and (c) investigating patterns in student performance using expanded data collection procedures, including more extensive measurement of landings. The experimental manipulation employed a matched pairs research design and exposed a treatment group (n =14) to 6 twenty-five minute trials of "skill pattern" practice on a PCATD. The treatment group performed better than the control group on average on every dependent measure, however, these differences were not statistically significant. A criterion measure of student progress was regressed on 5 CogScreen-AE factors delineated by Taylor, O'Hara, Mumenthaler, and Yesavage (2000). Stepwise multiple regression analysis resulted in a single predictor model based on the factor labeled Speed and Working Memory (R = .62; adjusted R2 = .35). Additional descriptive analyses of the landing performance of beginning flight students were also conducted. The results of the experiment, regression analyses, and descriptive analyses are discussed in terms of learning and safety benefits for beginning flight students.

Related Topics

Main List of Archives:
Dissertation Defenses

Current Dissertation Defenses