Date of Award

12-2007

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Alyce M. Dickinson

Second Advisor

Dr. Bradley Huitema

Third Advisor

Dr. Ron Van Houten

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study examined whether pilots completed airplane checklists more accurately when they received post-flight graphic and verbal feedback. Participants were 8 college student pilots with instrument rating. The task consisted of flying flight patterns using a Personal Computer Aviation Training Device. The main dependent variable was the number of checklist items completed correctly per flight. A multiple baseline design across pairs with reversal was used. During baseline, the average number of correctly completed items per flight varied considerably across participants, ranging from 21 to 39 out of 40. It increased to near perfect levels for all participants after they were given feedback and praise, and remained high after the feedback and praise were removed. The results suggest that graphic feedback and praise can be used to increase the extent to which pilots use checklists accurately.

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