TO ERR IS HUMAN - AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ERROR MANAGEMENT-TRAINING

This research explores how the effectiveness of word-processing traini ng is impacted by a trainee's goal (learning vs. performance) and whet her the training program is designed to encourage or discourage errors (error management vs. error avoidant). Ninety-four trainees were rand omly assigned to one of four word processing training programs. Result s indicated several beneficial effects of both error management traini ng and learning goals including enhanced performance, increased intrin sic motivation, and decreased frustration. Results are discussed in te rms of how error management principles might be implemented as well as which worker groups might be most responsive to this type of training .