SPHR Learning and Development 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An organization wants to develop employees' ability to handle ambiguous, complex challenges. Which development method is MOST appropriate?
- E-learning modules with quizzes
- Action learning sets (Correct answer)
- Classroom lecture series
- Job shadowing for one week
Correct answer: Action learning sets
Action learning sets involve small groups tackling real organizational problems, developing critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving under ambiguity.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST describes 'transfer of training'?
- Moving training resources from one department to another
- The degree to which trainees apply skills learned in training to their jobs (Correct answer)
- Transferring responsibility for training from HR to line managers
- Sharing training materials across organizational locations
Correct answer: The degree to which trainees apply skills learned in training to their jobs
Transfer of training refers to the effective application of KSAs learned in training to the actual work environment.
Question 3: A 70-20-10 learning model suggests that the majority of professional learning comes from:
- Formal training programs
- Coaching and mentoring
- On-the-job experiences and stretch assignments (Correct answer)
- Peer feedback and 360 assessments
Correct answer: On-the-job experiences and stretch assignments
The 70-20-10 model proposes 70% of learning comes from challenging job experiences, 20% from relationships/feedback, and 10% from formal courses.
Question 4: A training manager is designing a program to teach a new software system. Which cognitive load theory principle should guide the content chunking strategy?
- Present all information simultaneously to promote holistic understanding
- Break content into small segments to avoid overwhelming working memory (Correct answer)
- Maximize text density to reduce training duration
- Focus exclusively on advanced features to challenge high performers
Correct answer: Break content into small segments to avoid overwhelming working memory
Cognitive load theory states that working memory has limited capacity; chunking content into smaller segments prevents overload and enhances learning.
Question 5: An SPHR is asked to align the L&D strategy with business strategy. What should be the FIRST step?
- Survey employees about preferred training formats
- Review the organization's strategic goals and identify capability gaps (Correct answer)
- Benchmark L&D spend against industry competitors
- Implement a new Learning Management System (LMS)
Correct answer: Review the organization's strategic goals and identify capability gaps
Strategic alignment requires first understanding where the business is headed and identifying the capability gaps that L&D must close to enable that strategy.
Question 6: Which evaluation design provides the STRONGEST evidence that a training program caused observed performance improvements?
- Post-test only with no control group
- Pre-test/post-test with no control group
- Randomized controlled experiment with a control group (Correct answer)
- Learner satisfaction surveys administered post-training
Correct answer: Randomized controlled experiment with a control group
A randomized controlled experiment with a control group minimizes alternative explanations (confounds) and provides the strongest causal evidence of training impact.
Question 7: Succession planning is an L&D function that primarily aims to:
- Reduce payroll costs by identifying redundant positions
- Identify and develop internal talent to fill critical roles in the future (Correct answer)
- Create career ladders for all employees at all levels
- Comply with EEOC reporting requirements
Correct answer: Identify and develop internal talent to fill critical roles in the future
Succession planning proactively identifies and develops high-potential employees to ensure leadership continuity and readiness for key organizational roles.
SPHR Learning and Development 3
An organization wants to develop employees' ability to handle ambiguous, complex challenges.
Which development method is MOST appropriate?