Influences of cognitive style and training method on training effectiveness

The present study compares the relative effects of cognitive style and trai ning method on learners' computer self-efficacy and learning performance by a field experiment. The purpose was to determine which training method cou ld be best utilized in computer-related training while taking trainees' cog nitive style into account. The significant two- and three-way interactions indicate the critical roles that personal characteristics and situation fac tors play as joint determinants of behavior. Gender did significantly moder ate the effects of training method on performance and self-efficacy. The co gnitive by training method effects were most significant for female partici pants. This finding suggests that to assist individuals taking IT-related t raining courses, the contingency effects of gender, cognitive style, traini ng approach, and training objective should be taken into account. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.