There are two characteristics that distinguish error management training from training methods that seek to avoid errors during training: (1) active exploration with minimal guidance and (2) explicit encouragement to make errors during training along with positive error framing in error management instructions (note that some authors refer to this type of training as ‘error training’, e.g.,;[6] other authors have used terms such as ‘error-filled training’,[7] or enactive exploration [8]). Error management instructions are brief statements designed to reduce potential frustration of participants by emphasizing the positive function of errors during training (e.g., "Errors are a natural part of learning", "I have made an error, great, because now I can learn something new"),[6][9][10][11]
Learning from errors is enhanced by metacognition (self-reflectively thinking about the situation and strategies used) and by reducing the negative emotions due to making errors.[12] The benefits of error management training are expected to unfold on post-training tasks, when errors are no longer encouraged and trainees are aware that their performance in now being evaluated. It is therefore important to conceptually and operationally distinguish training performance from post-training performance when conducting studies to evaluate training effectiveness.[13]
Across studies, error management training led to better post-training far-transfer performance than alternative training methods, whereas for near-transfer performance, error management training and alternative training methods fared equally well.[11] EM Training has also been shown to be better than simply providing exploratory training.[11] Some studies suggest interactions of training method or error framing with personality characteristic (e.g.[14]).
The EM training has been used in a wide variety of tasks and professions, such as driving,[15] firefighting,[16] in pharmacists,[17] and in surgeons.[18]