What is the relationship between fidelity and training effectiveness?
The degree of fidelity in a simulator is closely linked to training effectiveness. In general, it is assumed that the transfer of training from a simulator to a real world task will be greater when the conditions in the simulation better match those in the actual task. Theoretically, the more similar the stimulus and response elements in “A” are to “B”, the more likely positive transfer of training will occur between the two (Martin, 1981). Since high fidelity simulators are associated with more realistic representations of the actual task, this assumption has been the driving force behind obtaining high fidelity simulators for training purposes. The only exception to this rule is the use of platform motion in a simulator. It would seem logical that a simulation with added motion would increase transfer of training from one piece of equipment to another. However, numerous studies have found that platform motion provides no added training benefit to simulator users (Martin, 1981). In fa
