Individual Differences in Cognitive and Noncognitive Abilities and Team Performance in Dynamic Task Environments

Abstract

The specific goal of this research was to examine the role of individual differences in cognitive and non-cognitive abilities on individual and team performance in a real-time dynamic team-task environment. The theoretical goal of this research was to improve our understanding of how individual differences relate to team task performance, and to devise objective metrics of team performance. We completed an experiment that required administration of multiple ability tests, developing teams based on ability, and development of computer software to measure individual and team performance. In addition, we constructed an infrastructure of tools including experimental environment, data logging, and data extraction software that will support potential future efforts. Our findings suggest that cognitive and social abilities play a central role individual team member performance, and in team performance as a whole. Additional analyses of team structure suggest that the lowest-ability team member (the weakest link") determines team performance as a whole. Our findings have direct relevance to the selection, classification, and training of sailors who will serve as members of 21st Century Navy teams.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA424510

Entities

People

  • Gary Bradshaw
  • J. M. Giesen
  • Stephanie Doane

Organizations

  • Mississippi State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Psychology
  • Classification
  • Combat Effectiveness
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Environment
  • Experimental Design
  • Extraction
  • Factor Analysis
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Infrastructure
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Psychology
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • Training

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.