ABSTRACT
The purpose of the PARI method of cognitive task analysis is to analyze the system knowledge, procedural knowledge, and strategic knowledge required to solve troubleshooting problems in situated, real-world settings. These kinds of knowledge contribute to a problem solver’s ability to take action while solving problems. When presented with a problem, PARI attempts to identify each Action (or decision) that the problem solver performs, the Precursor (or Prerequisite) to that action, the Result of that action, and an expert’s Interpretation (PARI) of the Results of that Action. Precursors, actions, results, and interpretations are recorded using a structured interview in which pairs of experts pose problems to each other under realistic conditions. The experts are probed for the reasons and assumptions behind their actions while they are solving problems. They are then asked to elaborate on their solutions, focusing especially on reasoning that they use in making their decisions about what to do. Having identified the activities, results, and reasoning used by experts to solve problems, novice and intermediate performers solve the same problems in order to identify the areas of greatest need for instruction. From this information, the instructional designer can create a knowledge base of reasoning required to solve problems along with the conceptual, strategic, and procedural knowledge that are precursors to problems solving. This information can guide instruction on how to solve similar problems and how to prepare to solve problems.
