A Psychometric Method for Determining Optimum, Tactical Paths in Combat Decision Making and Analysis
Abstract
This thesis demonstrates a method to determine optimum, tactical movement paths for a specified vehicle and/or small unit based on the operator's cognitive decision processes, as well as the physical effects of terrain and environment on mobility. The approach uses psychometric techniques inherent to the Generalized Value System (GVS) to determine a 'Power Function' based on a specific tactical scenario and given equipment configuration and provides a means to determine the Tactical Movement Potential (TMP) for each terrain cell. This cognitive value in an interval scale can be translated into the same scale as the physical continuum using techniques proposed by Thurstone and Torgerson. The cognitive time value based on the user's decision process is then added to the physical traversal times for each cell completed from output provided by the Condensed Army Mobility Management System (CAMMS). This renders a value mapping which can be optimized using one of several existing algorithms. The resulting sets of patch points are optimized for speed time and the cognitive tactical considerations evaluated using these psychometric methods. The movement path and resulting times can be used in combat planning and modelling. This output is particularly important in determining the time values needed to compute the Situationally Inherent Power (SIP) of the GVS. This method can be applied to almost any tactical decision process in developing expert systems and models. Route selection scenarios; Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA219885
Entities
People
- Charles H. Shaw Iii
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School