The in¯uence of cognitive style on performance in a novel dynamic task modelled on the task of controlling air traf®c was investigated. It was hypothesized that participants who preferred a more adaptive cognitive style would maintain better rule adherence and safe distances between aircraft in a low-®delity air traf®c control task than those who preferred a more innovative style. Problems were presented to participants using computer-based scenarios in screening, practice, and experimental trials. Performance was measured by the number of times the participant violated two types of scenario rules. Screening, practice, and experimental performance were analysed separately. Cognitive style had a signi®cant effect on performance only during experimental trials. Performance of individuals who preferred a more adaptive style improved across experimental trials while those preferring a more innovative style did not. Results suggest that the more innovative participants, although perhaps having some initial advantage, may not be able to sustain performance in this type of task.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is charged with maintaining US airspaceÐa vast and increasingly complex transportation system. Highly trained air traf®c control specialists (ATCSs) form the heart of the web of radar, computers, and communication facilities that ensure the safety and ef®ciency of the system (Broach and Brecht-Clark, 1994). As part of the ongoing development of aviation systems, new automation will continue to be implemented in this century to assist ATCSs (FAA, 1999). Human interaction with technology is a vital component of these systems. Hollnagel et al. (1995) described the combination of humans and technology to accomplish particular functions as joint systems.Although both humans and technology are necessary elements of joint systems, the person in charge of controlling the system has responsibility for the system's performance (Hollnagel et al., 1995). This is of little interest in well-bounded situations where actual situations match expected conditions. In these situations, rule-based technology handles the human operator's routine tasks extremely well. However, Hollnagel et al. note that the true¯exibility of joint systems emerges from the performance of the human operator, who shapes the response of the joint system to real-time unexpected events.Despite the criticality of human performance in joint systems, research is still needed to identify desirable individual characteristics in relation to system needs beyond domain knowledge of the system itself (cf. Chidester et al., 1990;Hoc et al., 1995;Schmidt and
Instruction on practical thinking skills was developed and implemented in a Command and General Staff Officers Course on Battle Command A cognitive skills approach was emphasized as opposed to the traditional procedural models used in other Army education programs. The cognitive skills were identified from study of tactical planning and decision making, review of civilian cognitive skill instruction programs, and the application of new models of naturalistic decision making. The program consisted of 12 hours of instruction and six meetings. Practical thinking consists of creative and critical thinking. It is based on natural ways of thinking such as considering multiple perspectives, adapting thinking to situations, looking for hidden assumptions, and following guidelines for reasoning. This report describes the General Officer tasking that led to this work, the identification of requirements for practical thinking, description of the lessons, experience with using the program, and recommendations for further pursuit of improving practical thinking skills. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Battle command Reasoning Cognitive skills Naturalistic decision making Human performance Thinking SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF 16. REPORT
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