Part-Task Training for Tracking and Manual Control

Abstract

Part-task training was defined as practice on some set of components of the whole task as a prelude to performance of the whole task. Part-task procedures are intended to improve learning efficiency and to reduce costs. Our review focused on the instruction of tracking skills for manual control. Transfer of training was emphasized and crucial features of the methodology and of means of assessing transfer were discussed. The part-task procedures of segmentation, fractionation, and simplification were explained, and procedures for reintegrating parts into the whole task were summarized.

Designing training for process control simulators: a review of empirical findings and current practices

“…Segmentation procedures such as backward chaining proved to be the most effective part-task methods (Wightman and Lintern 1985). Fractionation was less effective than whole-task training and simplification resulted in positive transfer but was generally not superior to whole-task training.…”

“…At the end of the training phase, the separately practised parts are reintegrated to accomplish the whole task. Four main approaches within part-task training are distinguished (Stammers 1980, Wightman and Lintern 1985, Gopher et al 1989): segmentation; fractionation; simplification; emphasis-shift training. Segmentation entails the isolation of distinct temporal or spatial segments.…”

An Overview of Automaticity and Implications For Training the Thinking Process

“…Part-task training may be especially useful for tasks that are initially too difficult for novices to perform (Wightman & Lintern, 1985).…”

Automatic Information Processing and High Performance Skills

“…The utility of part-task training methods has been extensively investigated for skill acquisition (e.g., Wightman and Lintern, 1985). Parttask training includes methods such as breaking tasks down into components through segmentation or chaining, or simplifying the task for training.…”

“…Wightman and Lintern (1985), for example, reviewed three such methods, including segmentation, fractionization, and simplification.…”