Development and application of learning curves

As part of a Research Project into the Cost Effectiveness of Training, various experiments were held in Telephone Exchanges in the Midland, Eastern and London Telecomrnunications Regions. The purpose of the experiments was to investigate the work load of telephonists,to see how the amount of time spent on the elements of the task done might vary as the training of the telephonists proceeded and also to attempt to compare two methods of training. Data from these experiments and from other sources in the literature was used to compare the efficiency of a selection of models of learning.
The method of comparison was based on an extension of an iterative 2-parameter curve fitting algorithm which uses a Taylor Series approximation to the function of the model of learning investigated.
The resulting analysis allowed a tentative choice of what might be called the "best" model, which was then used in a more
detailed examination of further data obtained on telephonists. In the event, the curve fitting analysis was found to be complex, as was the apparently simple task of "telephonist", Time did not allow an extension of the study into other tasks performed by Post Office personnel.

A Thesis submitted to the Council for National Academic Awards in Candidature for the Degree of Master of Philosophy.