| Abstract: | Ambiguity tolerance is a learner characteristic that can affect the processing of stimuli in a wide range of learning situations, including modeling. It has also been shown to be related to effective counselor interview behavior. This study investigated the influence of differences in ambiguity tolerance and the effects of exposure to a videotape model on the interview behavior of counselor trainees. A two-way analysis of variance gave limited support to the hypothesis that counselor trainees would exhibit significantly more effective interview behaviors as a result of the interaction of high ambiguity tolerance and exposure to a model. It may be that video models can be used to diminish differences in counseling performance among high and low ambiguity tolerant counselors. The potential of creating a variety of learning strategies, such as video modeling, to override the detrimental effects of certain personality characteristics is discussed. |
