Knowledge Structures and the Acquisition of a Complex Skill

Elizabeth A. Day

Winfred Arthur Jr.

Don S. Gettman

Keywords: Knowledge Structures, Learning, Training, Decision Making, Simulator Performance

The Study: This study examined how knowledge structures acquired during training influence performance in a complex decision-making task. Using an air battle simulation with 113 participants, the researchers analyzed how differences in mental organization of information (knowledge structures) predicted performance and learning progression over time.

Main Findings: Knowledge structures developed during training significantly predicted task performance. Individuals with more organized and expert-like knowledge structures performed better even in early stages of task execution. Furthermore, the quality of knowledge structures strongly influenced learning rate—closer alignment with expert models led to greater performance improvement over time.

Practical Implications: The study underscores the importance of fostering well-organized knowledge structures during complex skill training. Assessing learners’ mental models can enable targeted interventions and enhance learning efficiency. Incorporating conceptual structuring methods may improve outcomes in fields like aviation, medicine, and emergency response.

Reference: Day, E. A., Arthur, W. Jr., & Gettman, D. (2001). Knowledge structures and the acquisition of a complex skill. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(5), 1022–1033. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.86.5.1022

Day et al, 2001.pdf

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