Two self-study media presentations, booklet-tape and videotape recording (two formats) were evaluated in order to determine the relative cost-effectiveness of the presentations. Three topics from an elementary electronics theory course were prepared in three different versions, and relevant costs were calculated. The results of the study indicated that the differences in mean scores for all comparisons did not justify the greatly increased costs associated with videotape recording.
IntroductionModels for making instructional decisions, with particular reference to media selections, have been proposed by Gerlach (1966), Briggs, Campeau, Gagne and May (1967) and Tosti and Ball (1969). Such models are useful, though it is recognized that most objectives may be attained through instruction presented by any variety of different media, as a great many studies have shown no significant differences between one medium and another in facilitating the attainment of a wide range of objectives. Tosti and Ball indicate that, using their framework, there is often no one best medium, and that several operational systems may convey equivalent presentational designs within the constraints specified. In such cases they suggest that the final selection between the systems should be based on external considerations such as cost, availability of media, and user preference.The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of two selfstudy media presentations, booklet-tape and videotape (two presentation formats) in relation to the cost of production and transmission. There are few studies which have compared audiotape and videotape presentations. Most studies have compared either audiotape or videotape with conventional class lectures. Popham (196 1, 1962) used audiotaped lectures in both graduate and undergraduate classes and found no significant differences in achievement between the taped and live lecture presentations. Similarly, Menne, Hannum, Klingensmith and Nord (1969) found no significant differences between audiotaped and live lectures in an introductory college course.