Analysis of User Procedural Compliance in Controlling a Simulated Process

An experiment on the effect of training on procedural compliance is described. Two types of training were investigated in the context of a simulated process. One group of subjects was provided with procedures for use in controlling the plant. Another group was provided procedures plus instruction in the theory of the plant (i.e., a description of the physical principles of operation). The training was found to have differential effects on the types of procedural errors committed. The principles plus procedures group committed more blatant errors and omitted steps, whereas the procedures-only group used more commands that were inefficient.