Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
08:16
Movement Retraining using Real-time Feedback of Performance
Published on: January 17, 2013
13.9K
Exploring qualitative training reactions: individual and contextual influences on trainee commenting.
Reanna Poncheri Harman1, J Kemp Ellington2, Eric A Surface1
1SWA Consulting Inc.
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Qualitative training reactions are often misunderstood, but commenting behavior offers insights. Class experiences and individual factors influence trainee comments, impacting training evaluation data.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Human Resource Development
- Educational Measurement
Background:
- Training evaluation commonly uses qualitative reactions, yet these are poorly understood.
- Commenting behavior, prevalent in online interactions, represents an untapped data source for training evaluation.
- Existing research on training reactions primarily focuses on individual-level analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore commenting behavior in training evaluations.
- To identify individual and contextual factors influencing trainee commenting.
- To understand the characteristics of trainee comments.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted to investigate commenting behavior.
- Multilevel modeling was used to analyze commenting variance.
- Individual difference (interest, satisfaction, beliefs) and contextual (class-level) influences were examined.
Main Results:
- Significant class-level variance in commenting was found across all three samples.
- Individual differences, such as interest and satisfaction, influenced commenting.
- Item wording was identified as a factor impacting commenting behavior.
Conclusions:
- Training evaluation should consider class-level influences on qualitative reactions, not just individual factors.
- Training professionals can leverage item wording to affect trainee commenting.
- Awareness of nonresponse to open-ended items is crucial for accurate data interpretation.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Negative and Positive Feedback
39.5K
39.5K
01:24Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
220
Self-esteem is intricately tied to our perception of competence and our ability to exert control over our lives. One of the primary sources of this perception is performance feedback — the ongoing evaluation of our actions in terms of success and failure. According to Franks and Marolla (1976), people derive self-worth from experiencing themselves as causal agents, capable of achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. This process nurtures a critical component of self-esteem:...
220
01:24Humanistic Psychology
3.2K
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
3.2K
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
430
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
430
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
485
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
485
01:29Introspection
430
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...
430