Teamwork and Decision-Making Under Threat: Implementing an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment
Abstract
The changing face of modern conflict is a non-ignorable concern for national security and readiness. Conflict now rages in complex urban environments, and the military is becoming increasingly reliant on small special operations teams. However, very little is known about how small groups function in these threatening environments. Over the last several years we have spearheaded a new line of theory and research to fill this gap. We are currently utilizing cutting edge electrophysiological and physiological equipment to interrogate team functioning under threat. In a second line of research we are investigating the complex nature of decision-making under monitoring pressure, such as occurs with body worn cameras or bystanders. One limitation of these research lines is that both rely on non-immersive experimental paradigms; therefore, participants in our studies never truly feel as if they are Òreally there.Ó We argue that in order to make valid and efficacious practical recommendations for small special operations teams in the modern global military context and other threat environments, we need to shift gears and begin to utilize immersive paradigms. The goal of this proposal is to enhance the existing equipment at the Electrophysiological Laboratory of Kent (ENLoK) by funding a state-of-the-art immersive virtual reality (iVR) system that will be integrated into our existing laboratory infrastructure. As we explain in detail below, to accurately assess team dynamics under threat, it is critical for participants to experience Òpresence.Ó The concept of presence refers to the subjective experience of being in one place while being physically present in another (Singer & Witmer, 1996). We cannot generate presence with our existing equipment in the ENLoK. Incorporating an iVR system will allow us to take a critically important step toward connecting our research on teamwork and decision-making under threat with institutions that can put it to effective use, such as the military and law enforcement. We seek the funding for an iVR system that will allow up to two individuals to interact in a simulated but immersive virtual threat environment. The system will include cutting edge VR headsets with three-dimensional eye tracking and omnidirectional treadmills. The treadmills will allow users to ÒmoveÓ about freely in a virtual world all while being completely safe in the real world. By using such a system we will enhance our research, including an ARO-sponsored project (described below), by replicating it in an immersive environment. This will allow us to draw conclusions about the phenomenological, physiological, and behavioral experiential differences between immersive and non-immersive systems. Additionally, it will allow us to develop more valid, impactful knowledge about how teams and individuals navigate dangerous environments where myriad, theoretically relevant factors are systematically varied. Ultimately, our goal is to advance the scientific understanding of behavior and decision-making under threat and, in so doing, develop more effective applications and interventions that enhance the safety of those in the military, law enforcement, etc. Adding an iVR system to our laboratory will also provide new opportunities for research that may be of interest to the DoD in the future. Finally, acquiring an iVR system will enhance the infrastructure for research and education within the ENLoK and through our involvement with the new Brain Health Research Initiative (BHRI) at Kent State University.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010149
Entities
People
- Joshua Pollock
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Kent State University
- United States Army