A meta-analytic review of behavior modeling training

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Human Resource Development
• Training and Development

Background:

• Behavior modeling training (BMT) is a widely used instructional method.
• Understanding the effectiveness of BMT across various outcomes and design elements is crucial for optimizing training investments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of BMT on six training outcomes.
• To examine how training design characteristics influence BMT effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 117 studies.
• Evaluation of BMT effects on learning, job behavior, and results outcomes.
• Analysis of training design characteristics impacting BMT effectiveness.

Main Results:

• BMT effects were largest for learning outcomes, followed by job behavior, and then results outcomes.
• Declarative knowledge gains decayed over time, while skills and job behavior effects remained stable or increased.
• Optimal conditions for skill development included using learning points as rule codes and longer training durations.
• Maximal transfer was observed with mixed positive and negative models, trainee-generated scenarios, goal setting, trained supervisors, and environmental support (rewards/sanctions).

Conclusions:

• BMT is effective across multiple training outcomes, with varying decay rates.
• Specific training design elements significantly enhance skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Optimizing BMT requires careful consideration of design features to maximize long-term impact and transfer to the job environment.