Part of continuing Navy research on training and utilizing Group 4 (low ability) personnel, this study investigated the feasibility of teaching such personnel a course in the operation of the AN/PSM-4 multimeter (an electronic measuring device), and evaluate the relative effectiveness of two different instructional methods. The course was given to two successive classes of Training Methods Development School students. Half of each class was taught by an instructor; the other half learned the same material from a programed text. Achievement under both modes was measured by three written quizzes and a final practical performance test. In general, the test equipment course did not prove practical or appropriate for the Group 4 personnel. The instructor method was initially the more effective, but improved results obtained with a suitably revised programed text indicated that a programed approach may be made comparably effective. (authors/ly)