Retro primer

Learning and Performance through InnovationLearning and Performance through Innovation1

RetrospectiveRetrospectiveAnalysis:Analysis:

A PrimerA Primer

Jeff M. AllenJeff M. Allen

Learning and Performance through InnovationLearning and Performance through Innovation2

When is the last time you learned a

newnew research

design?

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Retrospective PretestRetrospective Pretest

Campbell and Stanley (1963) offered retrospective pretest as a tool to enhance experimental designs.

Used and promoted in the field of behavioral science research, since the 1950s as a moderator for the threat of response-shift bias(post-then, pre-post, then)

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Solution: Retrospective PretestSolution: Retrospective Pretest

Howard (1980) began prescribing this research tool as a remedy for response-shift bias.

Distinguishes itself from the traditional pretest by its relationship to the intervention.

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When and HowWhen and How

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When does it work?When does it work?

Learners don’t know … what they don’t know

There is insufficient time for pre-test.

There as been no benchmarking performed.

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Why does it work?Why does it work?

Administered post-intervention, asking the subjects to recall behavior

Can provide a more accurate measure of actual learning

Can provide more differentiation in learning (instrument scaling)

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Early ExamplesEarly Examples

1951 Effects of racially mixed housing

on prejudice

1956 Measurement of fear

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Strengths LimitationsStrengths Limitations

Detects response-shift effect

Extends posttest only designs

Can curb threats to history, selective mortality, and shift in subject perceptions

Draws on a subject’s memory

Best used when added to other designs

Inappropriate utilization for skill measurement

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Retrospective PretestRetrospective Pretest Law Firm

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Retrospective PretestRetrospective Pretest Professional Development

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Benchmark

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ScalingScalingPrePre

PostPost

ThenThen

NowNow

Learning and Performance through InnovationLearning and Performance through Innovation14

RetrospectiveRetrospectiveAnalysis:Analysis:

A PrimerA Primer

Jeff M. AllenJeff M. Allen