What is a DIF analysis?

What’s the DIF?

One useful way to ensure your action-based training is focused on the business outcome of performance is by using a DIF analysis right from the start.

What is a DIF analysis?

It’s a way to assess the Difficulty, Importance and Frequency of tasks in order to decide if there is a learning intervention required, and if so, at what level (resource, course, tutor etc).

It’s important to note this approach only really works in a process-driven environment where several people carry out the same tasks in the same way.

In principle, the more difficult and/or important the task the more likely it is to require training.

The less frequently the task is carried, the more likely that training – or refresher training – will be required. Compliance training can be a good example of this.

A course provides an opportunity to practice, fail, find out why and have the opportunity to learn from each other and ask the ‘what if’ questions.

A blended approach provides the opportunity to acquire and refresh the requried knowledge outside of the classroom environment (before and after any course) but also have the opportunity to ask questions from a trainer, coach or ‘super user’.

Readily accessible resources provide each person with the information they need to carry out their task(s) – these could be videos, user guides, diagrams/process charts that they can access at the point of need.

There is application for eLearning here too, although – releasing the pin in the grenade – I would argue it shouldn’t be used by itself for anything that is deemed difficult and important. I would consider using eLearning mainly in those areas that require a blended training solution but are not difficult.

What are your thoughts on the uses and constraints of the DIF analysis?