Combining a Multiple Emphasis on Components Protocol with Small Group Protocols for Training Complex Skills

An Active Interlocked Modeling (AIM) Dyadic protocol for training complex skills, an AIM Tetradic protocol, and an Individual Control protocol were tested alone and in combination with a Multiple Emphasis on Components (MEC) protocol creating 6 conditions for training a complex computer game. We randomly assigned 120 paid subjects to the six conditions. Total game score improved over 10-1 hr sessions for all conditions. Improvement rate replicated advantages previously reported for AIM Dyad, AIM Tetrad, and MEC over the Individual Control. The AIM Dyad with MEC was better than either the AIM Dyad or the Individual with MEC. The AIM Tetrad with MEC was worse than either the AIM Tetrad or the Individual with MEC. Similar patterns occurred on retention, transfer, and resistance to secondary task interference. We discuss implications for acquiring and automatizing attention control strategies through observational learning.