Self-directed learning: the Wizard of Oz syndrome.

Every adult who embarks on a new project undergoes some self-directed learning. During the search for solutions, individuals may react in varied ways; yet, a basic syndrome of behavioral activities underlies these individual reactions. We have named this the "Wizard of Oz" syndrome because of the similarity it bears to the events in that classic fantasy. When developing interactive programs, producers should be cognizant of this behavior which characterizes the adult learner.