Research Topic and Conceptual Framework
Ed Crews
10 Nov 2010
Research Title
Virtual training versus instructor led training in increased performance of wartime skills for
members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard
Research Problem
In order to train individuals in wartime skills such as actions to take after an enemy attack, it
requires an airman to be familiar with how an environment may look after an attack, what
dangers may be present, and what procedures should be performed to ensure the area is safe.
The question is which environment, virtual or classroom, provides our airmen the best training to
understand procedures and respond accurately in a real-world exercise?
Research Variables
The independent variables for the study will be the method of delivery of training in either a
virtual environment or in a traditional instructor-led classroom setting. The moderator variables
will be the age group of participants in three categories: under 25 years old, 26 to 35 years old,
and over 35 years old, the level of technology familiarization: high, medium, or low, and the
learning style: visual, auditory, or haptic. The mediator variable will be immersion or sense of
presence within the training environment. The dependent variables will be time it takes to
execute a wartime skill, time it takes to accurately assess a situation in a wartime exercise, and
level of accuracy in performing a wartime skills task. Wartime skills to be assessed are in four
general areas to include response to unexploded ordinances, injured personnel,
Research Topic and Conceptual Framework
Ed Crews
10 Nov 2010
chemical/biological contamination, and communication. Within each of these areas, there are key
indicators of an accurate response which can be measured.
Research Theories
Supplantation – In each training method, the actual environment where the individual will be
expected to perform is substituted by either a classroom or virtual environment. It is
hypothesized that the virtual environment would be a more realistic substitution of the actual
environment. Therefore, immersion would be increased and greater performance the result.
Dale’s Cone – This theory displays the hierarchical relationship of different methods of
transferring information from more to less abstract. Between the independent variables of virtual
training and instructor-led training, the virtual training is hypothesized to be less abstract to the
individual therefore, creating a greater immersion in the training environment and a greater
increase in task proficiency.
Cognitive Load – Within the methods of instruction, increased cognitive load may actually
negatively impact the individual’s immersion within the training environment. Sweller’s theory
of cognitive load would be included within the conceptual framework.
Symbol Systems – In carefully designing the symbols system of the training, a greater learning
experience is expected. The ability of the virtual environment to more effectively use the
symbols system or more effectively connect with the user for greater immersion would also be
expected to contribute to greater proficiency. Salomon’s theory of symbol systems would be
included in the framework.
Research Topic and Conceptual Framework
Ed Crews
10 Nov 2010
Research Framework
Independent
Variables
Moderator
Variables
Mediator
Variable
Dependent
Variables
Virtual Reality
Age Group
Immersion
Time
Instructor-led
Technology
Familiarization
Assessment
Accuracy
Learning Style
The research framework shows the relationship between the different variables within this
particular research topic. The two methods of instruction would be analyzed to determine which
one has a greater impact on the dependent variables relating to proficiency in obtaining and
demonstrating a skill. Different moderator variables are important to determine if a particular
method of instruction displays the same effect on the dependent variables across certain
demographics. The level of immersion of each treatment will be examined and its effect on the
dependent variables.
Research Topic and Conceptual Framework
Ed Crews
10 Nov 2010
Conceptual Framework
Independent Variable
Moderator Variable
Type of Training
Characteristics of
Learner
Virtual Reality
Instructor Led
Dependent Variable
Supplantation
Increased Skill
Dale's
Cone
Immersion
Age, Tech Savvy,
Learning Style
Symbol
Systems
Time,
Assessment,
Accuracy
Cognitive
Load
Instructor Led
Instructor Led
The conceptual framework displays how each type of training will be filtered by the characteristics of the learner then depending on
the immersion of the individual within the training based on the theories relating to immersion or sense of presence in a learning
environment, the learner should be able to display an increased skill through demonstrated ability to quickly identify and accurately
perform a particular wartime skill.