Individual Applications of Laboratory Training

Abstract

Laboratory Training has roots in the blending of research and action. Application interest took precedence in its early development, and the present need is to advance scientific knowledge of training processes and outcomes. Recent studies toward an empirical foundation for training theory are reviewed. Data are presented from a study of perceived behavior changes one year after participation in training. Participants are seen by co-workers as increasing significantly more than controls in cognitive openness, behavioral skill, and understanding of social processes. Long-range changes are correlated with learning measures at time of training. The clear evidence for the impact of laboratory methods for some subjects must be followed by further inquiry which will explicate processes and conditions.