SH64: Price vs Quality: The Efficiency-Thoroughness Trade Off

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of dive training agency standards and the challenges faced by instructors in evaluating student performance. While standards outline specific skills, determining their mastery isn't always straightforward. New instructors, lacking experience and nuanced judgment, often prioritize efficiency over thoroughness due to external pressures like time constraints and financial considerations. This efficiency-thoroughness trade-off (ETTO) can compromise the quality of instruction, leading to pass grades for students who may not be fully prepared. The root issue lies in instructors' limited exposure to diverse student experiences and the reluctance of dive centers to invest in extensive observation opportunities. As an industry, we must reconsider this trade-off, where financial concerns often outweigh safety and quality. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on individual divers to evaluate their skills, raising questions about the integrity of certification processes and the adequacy of diver preparedness.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off

Links:

Erik Holnagel’s paper: https://erikhollnagel.com/onewebmedia/ETTO.pdf

Another blog about ETTO: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ETTO

Tags:

 English, Decision Making, ETTO, Jenny Lord