A Tactical Game for the Analysis of Complex Decision Making in Individuals and Groups

Abstract

An experimental simulation is described as a prototype for research concerned with the analysis of human information processing characteristics in complex environments. The method employs a simulated war game environment which lends itself to the analysis of performance and perceptual characteristics of individuals and social groups. Suggestions for procedures, space requirements and measurement techniques are included.

Information search as a function of conceptual and environmental complexity

“…playing the tactical game used in Streufert et al (1965a) and other previous experiments, and described in Streufert et al (1965b). Briefly, each S commanded a simulated combined-arms (land, s¥, and air) force and directed the force in the invasion of an island.…”

“…of game time as contrasted to approximately 5 hr. Besides wanting to see whether a more economical experimental procedure would yield consonant results, we were also interested in whether the tactical game which had previously been used only with groups of Ss (Streufert, Clardy, Driver, Karlins, Schroder, & Suedfeld, 1965b) would be appropriate for use with single Ss. Last, we wished to investigate not only the amount but also the kind of information which Ss requested: the theory of Schroderetal(inpress) predicts, but our previous study did not test, that simple Ss would be preoccupied with 'monitoring' information (keeping track of past and ongoing events) while complex Ss would be more interested in new plans and potentialities.…”

Risk taking in military and economic decision making: An analysis via an experimental simulation

“…The task, a simulated internation decisionmaking situation, is described in Streufert, Kliger, Castore, and Driver (1967); it has been used in a somewhat simpler form (Streufert, Clardy, Driver, Karlins, Schroder, & Suedfeld, 1965) in considerable previous research (e.g., Stager, 196T;, 1967Streofert & Schroder, 1965;Streufert, Driver, & Rom, 1967;Suedfeld & Streufert, 1966). Dyad decision-making tern were told that they were playing a tactical and economic gme against another term of subjects and that the experimenters would serve as judges (assisted by a computer).…”

Conceptual level as a composition variable in small-group decision making.

“…Each group participated in a complex simulated tactical decision-making situation (Streufert, Clardy, Driver, Karlins, Schroder, & Suedfeld, 1965).…”