Early Decisions and Concurrent Option Comparison in Problem Solving Groups

Abstract

For this project, groups of Army captains were tested in a problem solving exercise called VARWARS. Normally in VARWARS exercises, groups use a naturalistic problem solving process characterized by sequential elaboration and development of possible solutions, rather than a concurrent comparison of options. In the first experiment, an attempt was made to induce some groups to use a concurrent option comparison method. It proved possible to increase the likelihood of groups using the method; however, this did not result in an improvement in solution quality. In the second experiment, groups were induced to use a different method, called Early Decision, in which the groups were compelled to select a single candidate solution much sooner than they normally would. The Early Decision process resulted in a significant and substantial improvement in the quality of solutions, compared with both naturalistic and concurrent comparison methods.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA252640

Entities

People

  • James W. Lussier

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computers
  • Curriculum
  • Demographic Cohorts
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Instructions
  • Instructors
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Observers
  • Personnel Management
  • Schools
  • Social Sciences
  • Standards
  • Students
  • Training
  • Training Devices

Readers

  • Applied Combinatorial Optimization and Logic Circuit Design.
  • Clinical Trial Research.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.