Literature relevant to the problem investigated in this study is reviewed in this chapter. Specifically, literature is reviewed with respect to (1) cognitive psychology and the psychology of learning, (2) strategic planning in organizations, organizational structure, and sociotechnical systems, and (3) the application of presentation technology.
The literature reviewed in this chapter supports the argument that, as the cognitive characteristics of individuals differ and as the ways in which people learn differ, presentation media must be selected to account for such differences. The literature reviewed in this chapter also supports an argument that the selection of presentation media must be perceived as a support function designed to contribute to the attainment of organizational objectives.
Cognitive Psychology and the Psychology of Learning
The cognitive characteristics of individuals influence the ways in which individuals learn. The ways in which individuals learn influence the extent to which various methods of information presentation will be effective. Literature related to cognitive psychology and to the psychology of learning that is relevant to the purpose of this current study is reviewed in this section. While this literature is reviewed according to topic area, all of the material is interrelated and is relevant in an interrelated context to the study purpose. Cognitive Concept of Human Development
The cognitive concept of human development was pioneered by Jean Piaget (Hill and Humphrey, 1992, pp. 4 6). Piaget's theory is based on organization and adaptation (Turner and Helms, 1991, p. 26). Organization refers to an ability to order and classify new experiences, while adaptation enables an individual to understand the surrounding environment. Adaptation occurs through the functioning of the mental processes of assimilation and accommodation (Turner and Helms, 1991, pp. 26 27). Assimilation...