The correlation of participant satisfaction, learning success and learning transfer: an empirical investigation of correlation assumptions in Kirkpatrick's four-level model Online publication date: Mon, 20-Jul-2009
by Michael Gessler
International Journal of Management in Education (IJMIE), Vol. 3, No. 3/4, 2009
Abstract: Donald Kirkpatrick developed the basis of his four-level model in 1954, which he published in four articles for the first time in 1959. It is today one of the most acknowledged models for evaluating training programmes. The levels are: reaction (participant satisfaction), learning (learning success), behaviour (learning transfer) and results (business success). Kirkpatrick assume causal linkages between the four levels. Since the 1960s, these assumptions were tested with little evidence. In the presented study, 43 training courses with altogether 335 participants were evaluated on the levels (1) reaction, (2) learning and (3) behaviour. The data show no correlation between reaction and learning and also no correlation between reaction and behaviour. In view of this result, the practice of evaluating professional trainings based on participant satisfaction requires further development.
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