What common individual needs assessment technique would work best for isolating whether training should focus on knowledge, rather than skills?

The most effective technique for isolating whether training should focus on knowledge rather than skills is having individuals take an online or pen-and-paper test. This method allows for a clear evaluation of the subject's understanding of concepts, theories, and information related to their work duties. Knowledge assessments are designed to measure familiarity with facts, procedures, and regulations, distinguishing them from skills which involve practical application.

When an individual completes this type of test, the results can highlight areas where their knowledge may be lacking, indicating that additional training focused on knowledge acquisition is necessary. Unlike other assessment methods that may involve performance in practical scenarios, the knowledge test isolates cognitive understanding, ensuring that training can be tailored specifically to address intellectual gaps rather than skill-based deficiencies.

In contrast, methods such as past observations, work samples, or peer observations tend to focus more on practical skills and actual performance in the workplace. These techniques provide insights into how well an individual applies their knowledge but do not directly measure knowledge itself. Thus, they may not effectively determine if the training should prioritize knowledge over skills.