TOWARD AN INTEGRATION OF TRAINING THEORY AND TECHNIQUE

Reviewers of the training literature have generally concluded that training theory and practice are not well integrated, and that research findings are not often translated into useful training methods. In an effort to bridge the gap between training theory and practice, an organizing framework for conceptualizing training research is presented. The purpose of the framework is to highlight the linkages between training-related theory and technique in the areas of training analysis, design, and evaluation. The linkages are described in detail, and illustrated via consideration of research into mental models. We hope that the framework will lead to future research programs that enhance the transition of training research from theory into practice, and integrate more fully these two perspectives.