Focuses on the role of communication competencies in superiors' overall judgments about the performance of subordinates. Finds that superiors' perceptions of subordinates' specific communication competencies are related to the superiors' overall perceptions of subordinate performance. (MS)

Hypothesized perceived general self-efficacy of students (N=87) performing job simulation task to moderate relationship between task preview exposure and task performance and between task preview exposure and task self-efficacy. Used Favorable and Realistic task previews. Found significant General Self-Efficacy X Task Preview condition interaction…

One in a continuing series on visual aids, this article presents rules for the use of visuals in information presentations and orientations. Topics discussed include ambiguity and unanswered questions; the need for a cost/benefits analysis; appropriate visual styles; media selection; and the effects of visualizations on performance. (LRW)

Presents an evaluation model that is appropriate to the assessment of the effect, from the perspective of the user, of variations in the interface to an information retrieval system. The application of the model to the evaluation of an experimental online catalog is described. (11 references) (Author/CLB)

Preschoolers presented with a difficult match-to-sample task requiring task analysis performed successfully when taught to overtly ask themselves questions about the salient features of each display and then answer the questions. Most subjects performed poorly when told not to use the self-questions and answers, but performed well again when…

Three studies examined the hypotheses that: (1) codability and not extent of distance determines difficulty; (2) critical features and not whole objects are coded; and (3) implicit perceptual axes provide a frame of reference for coding the display. Results supporting these hypotheses are discussed in terms of a description of spatial…

Examines the relative effects of the five practice conditions of modeling, singing, silent analysis, free practice, and control on instrumentalists' performance. Finds significant differences in subjects' performance of correct rhythms, phrasing or dynamics, and tempo, and insignificant differences among performances of correct notes and…

Awarding merit pay is a two-step process involving a performance review and a monetary calculation. A model that will distribute a finite amount of money while taking into account performance levels and base salaries of evaluees is described. (Author/MLW)

Describes how instructional designers can use a combination of job task/function analysis and job competence assessment to construct a performance profile for managers that identifies characteristics of a successful performer. An ideal role micro approach is explained, and the design of training programs based on the performance profile is…

A group of 10 less able fifth-grade readers with comparable scores on a standardized reading test were assessed under reading conditions representing different combinations of familiarity, text type, length, and mode of reading. Results indicated that the students did not perform similarly under a variety of reading conditions. (Author/JDD)

Examined process mediating the effect of positive mood on performance of a cognitive task. Positive mood subjects performed significantly worse on a set of syllogisms than control subjects. Results are consistent with accounts arguing that people in positive moods expend less effort. (JBJ)

Eighty-eight children (either totally blind or with residual vision) estimated directions between landmarks in a large scale layout of objects. Children experienced the layout either directly by walking around it or indirectly by examining a tactile map. Use of tactile maps considerably facilitated the performance of the blind children. (Author/DB)

Examines the use of a performance support system (PSS) to enhance user performance on an operational system. Highlights include background information that describes the stimulus for PSS development; discussion of the major PSS components and the technology they require; and discussion of the design of a PSS for a complex database system.…

Examines a model for children's strategies for inclusion tasks. Suggests that young children are not consistent in task strategies and that they display mixed response strategies. Strategies may change with development. (ET)

A study of the approved systems of measures and standards for secondary and postsecondary vocational education found that states have implemented a number of differing measures of academic and other performance. Perkins performance measures were generally accepted. More measures tended to be approved for secondary programs. (JOW)