Performance evaluations, need for cognition, and the acquisition of a complex skill: An attribute-treatment interaction

Jazmine Espejo, Eric Anthony Day, Ginamarie Scott

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

We proposed that intermittent evaluations of performance could be used to promote the acquisition of a complex skill. We also hypothesized that trainees low in need for cognition (NFC) would benefit more from intermittent evaluations compared to trainees high in NFC. Accordingly, 106 young adult males participated in 5 h of training in order to learn a complex computer task that simulated the demands of a dynamic aviation environment. Trainees' performance was assessed either intermittently during training or at the end of training. Results indicated that intermittent performance evaluations enhanced the skill-based learning of trainees low in NFC, whereas intermittent skill evaluations tended to undermine the skill-based learning of trainees high in NFC. The findings are discussed in relation to Deci's (1975) theory of intrinsic motivation and the need for more research examining attribute-treatment interactions with respect to training and skill acquisition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1867-1877
Number of pages11
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume38
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Attribute-treatment interaction
  • Individual differences
  • Intrinsic motivation
  • Learning
  • Need for cognition
  • Performance evaluations
  • Skill acquisition
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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