Application of audio-visual presentation and various feedback methods to drivers license testing : an evaluation of learning effects.

In an effort to determine the relative efficacy of different testing materials and modes of presentation and feedback in teaching traffic safety concepts, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) conducted a study to measure item retention and/or generalization of learning brought about through the drivers license testing process. Four thousand class 3 drivers license renewal applicants were assigned to one of five different test modes: (1) audio-visual (A-V) differential feedback, (2) A-V correct answer only feedback (both presented by color motion pictures on individual viewing screens), (3) latent image written tests (differential feedback developed by chemical pens), all of which were comprised of 15 new items; and the current written law test presented either (4) on paper, where delayed feedback was given, or (5) projected slides on the A-V viewers with no feedback on performance. Learning was measured by the applicant's performance on a second, or post test, administered on the A-V equipment immediately after the first test; included were items repeated from the first test as well as unfamiliar but related (unique) items which required generalization of knowledge concerning how to handle potentially dangerous driving situations. On the unique items, the only significant difference found was that the current law slide group was superior to any of the new- item-content groups; however, all five groups were significantly different on post test repeat item scores. A-V correct answer only feedback subjects made the fewest errors followed by A-V differential feedback, latent image, current law written, and finally current law slide subjects. Education was found to be a more important factor for subjects taking the new tests than those taking the present test. While increased learning was found with A-V presentations employing immediate feedback, further research is needed to measure the long-term effects on traffic safety before cost effectiveness can be properly assessed or implementation considered.