Updated June 1, 2023
Difference Between Addie vs Sam
Addie instructional design methodology is perhaps the most well-known method for developing learning solutions. Addie’s abbreviations are Analyzed, Designed, Developed, implemented, and Evaluated. But these days, Addie isn’t the only thing available. SAM, which stands for the Successive Approximation Model, is a popular alternative to Addie.
Each learning system has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered appropriately. For example, the Addie model is systematic and repeatable but does not allow backtracking. SAM was designed to counteract Addie in several ways. Let’s look at the answers to these questions and see which ones might work best for you and why.
Head-to-Head Comparison Between Addie vs Sam (Infographics)
Below are the top differences between Addie vs Sam:
Key Differences Between Addie vs Sam
- In the Addie model, we identify changes or defects in the later phases; in SAM, we capture defects early in the process.
- SAM model is more flexible than Addie, allowing change during each phase.
- Addie’s model follows a linear process, while SAM follows a cyclic one.
- The next phase can start only after completing the previous phase in Addie. In the SAM model, moving to the next phase does not require approval from the previous phase.
- SAM is considered to be faster than Addie.
Comparison Table of Addie vs Sam
| Basis | Addie | Sam |
| History | Developed by the Florida State University in 1975. | Created by Allen Interactions in 2012. |
| Speed | It is relatively slower. | SAM is considered to be faster. |
| Process | It follows the Linear process. | It is a more cyclical approach. |
| Defects | Defects captured in later stages. | Defects captured early on. |
| Flow | The next phase can start only after the completion of the previous phase. | We do not require approval on the previous phase. |
| Collaboration | We have limited opportunities to interact with the clients. | Allows you to receive feedback from clients regularly. |
| Flexibility | Relatively rigid. | Quite flexible and provide scope for enhancements and changes during each phase. |
| Rework | The amount of rework can be more. | The amount of rework is expected to be lesser. |
| Cost-Effective | it is not so cost-effective. | It is relatively cost-effective. |
Addie Model:
- Analysis: Clarify problems, define goals and objectives, and collect necessary data.
- Design: Write objectives, craft structure and sequences, project management, and budgeting.
- Development: Create a learning course using text, storyboards, graphics, audio, and video.
- Design: Design the Instructional Design course.
Sam Model:
- Development: Create a learning course using text, storyboards, graphics, audio, and video.
- Implement: Course delivery.
- Evaluate: Assessment of course success by measuring learner’s learning and retention, project goals.
- Evaluation/Analysis: Evaluate the learning course as it is being developed.
- Repeat: Repeat the above steps until the final roll-out.
Process:
The Addie method is a “waterfall approach”; thus Addie model follows a linear process. An instructional designer follows the five-step Addie method to construct a training program, eLearning course, or learning materials. The model begins with a wide analysis. After that, we design, develop, implement, and evaluate the learning program.
The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) unlike Addie’s five large sequential steps, the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is a more cyclical approach involving three iterations on the familiar instructional design phases of evaluation/analysis, design, and development.
Speed:
The waterfall approach of the Addie model makes it more of a slow deadline-centric model. In contrast, practitioners consider the agile approach of SAM to be faster than the Addie model during implementation.
Addie’s Waterfall Model
However, the linear nature of the Addie model, which requires examining each step before proceeding, can make it slow and inconvenient. Another issue is that backtracking can be difficult, if not impossible. If something goes wrong, you may need to restart it again.
Flow
In the Addie model, the next phase can start only after completing the previous phase. In the SAM model, moving to the next phase does not require approval from the previous phase.
Collaboration
In the Addie model, the opportunities to interact with the clients are limited. SAM provides ample opportunities to interact with the clients.
Throughout the learning development process, the SAM approach allows you to receive feedback from clients regularly. This methodology is advantageous since it saves time for redevelopment by identifying the problem early in the development process. It is commonly established that detecting problems early can save money and ensure a better medium and long-term learning outcome.
While this collaboration can cause delays, it ensures that the consumer is informed throughout the process. If the designers develop anything imperfect, they can immediately shift course thanks to the immediate feedback.
Flexibility
Some people believe that Addie is a technique from another era. Its overemphasis on process and quality and the exact order in which content is presented makes it inflexible to change and creativity.
The SAM model is quite flexible and provides scope for enhancements and changes during each phase of its development. Teams can work in a relaxed environment thanks to the model’s flexibility. This concept is found throughout nature, providing several opportunities to communicate any modifications or feedback.
Defects
In SAM, defects are captured early in the process. But in the Addie model, defects can only be captured in the later phases of the process.
Rework
The amount of rework can increase in the Addie model if changes or defects are identified in the later phases. While in the case of SAM, as the clients or the team members see what’s happening early in the process, the amount of rework is expected to be lesser.
Cost-Effective
As the Addie model has relatively lesser control over rework, it is not so cost-effective. As SAM controls rework, it is relatively cost-effective.
Because each of Addie’s phases is extensive and may require several sessions, completing all of them could take a significant amount of time and money.
Conclusion – Addie vs Sam
Determining which design model is best for you and your team all comes down to what you want to accomplish and what your work environment will allow.
Addie makes use of step-by-step techniques and emphasizes the importance of clear instructions. As a result, going back a few steps to fix a mistake can be difficult. It’s much more difficult to pinpoint precisely when and where the problem began. On the other hand, SAM is a system that works in parallel. The following stages occur concurrently once we plan out everything after brainstorming.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to Addie vs Sam. Here we discuss Addie vs Sam key differences with infographics and a comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
