Application of a Personalized System of Instruction to a Large, Personnel Training Program

Abstract

Despite the overwhelming success of Personalized Systems of Instruction (PSI) in academic and organizational settings, there continues to be unfounded criticism and resistance to its application in personnel training programs. Further, no study has been conducted to empirically evaluate its application in the health care setting. The present study examined the application of a "pure" PSI to a large health care personnel training program. Effectiveness, efficiency and cost factors were analyzed. Results indicated the superiority of the PSI approach compared to the traditional, group lecture method. Results were compared to previous investigations, and future directions for research in the organizational setting were discussed.