Final answer:
To improve the validity of incident measures of training effectiveness, the inclusion of data for close calls is beneficial as it provides additional insights. Segregating data by worker type or job can also help in identifying specific training needs and trends.
Step-by-step explanation:
To improve the validity of incident measures of training effectiveness, inclusion of data for close calls (a) could be beneficial. Close calls or near misses can provide insight into potential issues and highlight where training may need to be improved before actual incidents occur. Excluding such data (b) may lead to an incomplete understanding of the training effectiveness and potential risk areas. Segregating data by type of worker (c) or by type of job (d) may also be useful depending on the context, as it allows an organization to tailor training programs to specific needs and identify trends within certain worker groups or job types.
Validity of data in training effectiveness is crucial to ensure that the training translates to practical improvements in productivity, safety, and other operational aspects. As supported by a 2003 study by Arthur, Bennett, Edens, and Bell, evaluating training effectiveness can involve considering a variety of measures, such as reactions, learning, behavior, and results. Hence, ensuring comprehensive and unbiased data collection, which includes reports of close calls, will strengthen the conclusions drawn regarding training programs.