The Impact of Computer Decision Support on Military Decision Making
Abstract
This thesis work analyzed military personnel decision making and attitudes towards automation using a component of a decision support systems tool called Weasel. The primary goal of this study is to determine how Weasel impacts user performance and behavior. The decisions people make in military situations plays a vital role in determining the success or failure of operations. Previous work has been conducted in transportation domains such as aviation and driving. However, little, it any, research has been conducted in a military domain. This study analyzes behavior and performance in a military context with military personnel solving three strategic problems. Specific challenges addressed by this work are Weasel's overall impact on user performance, Weasel's effect on expert and novice users; user performance when Weasel exhibits questionable behavior, and the effect order of information presentation has on behavior and performance. The results of this experiment will help researchers and military personnel interested in decision making and decision support systems to better understand and the decision people make when using computer support. Additionally, information may be gained regarding situations where computer support and automation use may degrade performance. Military strategists such as commanding officers, Air Force air battle managers, and Army plans officers may benefit from this work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA430070
Entities
People
- Adam D. Larson
Organizations
- University of Minnesota