Modeling, measuring, and mediating teamwork: The use of fuzzy cognitive maps and team member schema similarity to enhance BMC³I decision making

A research study is reported which utilizes an AWACS-based distributed decision making environment to assess: a) team interaction b) a cognitive interface containing team-level cues, c) a cognitive interface with information mediation. The hypothesis suggests that when teams are afforded an interface that supports increased communications about team member schemas and shared situation awareness (modeled by joint cognitive processes), then team performance will increase. Results show partial support for the hypothesis for the AWACS scenarios tested. The team member schema similarity (TMSS) cues were shown to be a useful component in team effectiveness. Conclusions suggest how this research can be extended and utilized for developing cognitive interfaces and collaborative computing systems that produce shared situation awareness in complex settings.