FOCUS: A Model of Sensemaking
Abstract
Sensemaking is a relatively new concept that has largely been associated with Weick (1995) and his work in organizational behavior. Sensemaking refers to the set of processes involved in trying to improve one's understanding of a situation, often in response to surprise. The primary purpose of the current project was to unpack and develop the concept of sensemaking, principally by developing and testing a cognitive model of the processes involved. The resulting Data/Frame model posits a highly interactive relationship between data inputs and mental representations or "frames" for interpreting data. The Data/Frame model also proposes six key sensemaking activities for handling frames in light of (anomalous) data: Elaborating, Questioning, Comparing, Preserving, Reframing, and Seeking. A secondary aim was to provide recommendations for training and other applications of the model that would be of direct benefit to the warfighter. To that end, several specific links to applied issues in domains such as information operations, intelligence analysis and combat systems design for UAV control have been developed and pursued. At this juncture, the concept of sensemaking and the Data/Frame model appear to be supported by the data, and also quite useful for military applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA469770
Entities
People
- Danyele Harris-thompson
- Deborah A. Peluso
- Gary A. Klein
- Jennifer L. Smith
- Paul A. Gade
- Winston R. Sieck
Organizations
- Klein Associates