The human experience in antarctica: Applications to life in space

Abstract

The increasing prominence of polar, spaceflight, and subaquatic environments has renewed interest in understanding human performance under conditions of isolation and confinement. In 1987, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation co-sponsored a conference intended to revitalize behavioral research in such settings, and to explore the use of Antarctica as a behavioral laboratory for outer space. The present paper reviews recent research on men and women in isolation and confinement, with special reference to the proceedings of the NASA/NSF conference. The literature reviewed, which focuses on living systems and cuts across the individual, small group, organization, and community levels, suggests that researchers have become more systems-oriented, and have broadened their perspectives to encompass missions' larger temporal and social contexts. Among the topics reviewed are states of consciousness, stress, health, small group dynamics, personnel selection, crew training, and environmental engineering. Methodological and logistical problems are discussed, and the review concludes with recommendations for agencies that sponsor groups in isolation and confinement and for researchers who seek to study such groups.

Gender Co-operation: An Organizational Advantage

“…This notion of a personality type is further supported by Antarctic research that concludes that successful team members show the following characteristics (Harrison, 1989): high competence in technical areas; o sustained motivation; emotionally stable; o socially compatible with other crew. Research into men and women entering US Titan II operational missile squadrons show strong similarities between their performance, attitude and perception (Ideen, 1981).…”

“…Evidence from the Honduras trial is well supported by experience in other ICEs, reinforcing the perception that cohesion and group bonding are not adversely effected by the employment of mixed genders. Harrison (1989) reports that supportive leadership styles, which involve showing a personal interest in the welfare of subordinates, are a correlate of effective submarine crew performance. Authoritarian leadership works best in emergencies while participative leadership works best in routine situations.…”

“…Blair (cited in Harrison, 1989) hypothesized that people who are satisfied with conventional social interactions will adapt better than those who have propensities for the unconventional.…”

“…International research generally indicates competency and motivation as the two most frequently cited key characteristics of successful individuals, regardless of their gender, living and working in ICEs (Harrison, 1989;Daltnau, 1989;Weybrew, 1964;Vail, 1981). In this paper it is assumed that these characteristics are equally applicable to males and females employed in submarines.…”

“…ISOLATED CONFINED ENVIRONMENTS (ICES) Harrison (1989) There exists an identifiable pilot's personality that supersedes even sex differences, that regardless of the pilot's sex, either requires, attracts, and/or selects out the personality type ... a person who is courageous and adventuresome. One who is orientated toward demonstrating competency, skill, and achievement; one who finds pleasure in mastering ' complex tasks.…”