COMPARING INTERACTIVE VIDEODISC INSTRUCTION WITH TRADITIONAL METHODS OF SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING

Social Skills Training requires sensitization of trainees to appropria te skill models and supporting concepts. Interactive Videodisc Instruc tion (IVI) is an emerging technology used particularly in the sensitiz ation phase of many forms of behavioural training. Compared to trainin g delivered via various combinations of video, workbook and facilitato rs, IVI was rated as relatively more interesting and led to high level s of retention of straightforward concepts among undergraduate student trainees in negotiation skills. Facilitated video-based instruction w as perceived as involving more learning and led to better detailed exp lanation of concepts by participants. There were no differences betwee n individualized and group administered IVI training. In total, the re sults do not indicate any significant superiority of IVI over other me thods but suggest it does provide a cost-effective alternative for som e aspects of behavioural skill sensitization.