Cognitive abilities that predict success in a computer-based training program. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were (a) to identify cognitive abilities and other factors related to successful completion of training for computer-based tasks that simulated real jobs and (b) to create a brief assessment battery useful in assessing older adults for these kinds of jobs. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants from three age groups (young, middle-aged, and older) completed a battery of cognitive measures. They then trained on one of three computer-based tasks that simulated actual jobs and were asked to perform the tasks for 3 days. We recorded whether they completed training and whether and how well they did the tasks. In a series of logistic regressions, we evaluated the ability of a subset of cognitive measures drawn from a larger battery to predict participants' ability to successfully complete training and go on to task performance. RESULTS: Results confirmed theory-based expectations that measures of domain knowledge, crystallized intelligence, memory, and psychomotor speed would predict success in computer-based activities. A brief battery was able to predict older adults' successful completion of training for one task but was less useful for another. IMPLICATIONS: A brief battery of cognitive measures may be useful in evaluating individuals for job selection. Different measures are related to job-related criteria depending on task and group evaluated, although it was not possible to identify a reduced battery for one task. The specific cognitive abilities related to participants' success have implications for task and interface design for the elderly population.

publication date

  • April 1, 2008

Research

keywords

  • Aptitude
  • Cognition
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction
  • Task Performance and Analysis

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC2676337

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 43949144216

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1093/geront/48.2.170

PubMed ID

  • 18483429

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 48

issue

  • 2