Abstract
Intuitive Decision Making (IDM) depends on knowledge that cannot be easily articulated. It does not reflect
explicitly learned rules and guidelines. Rather, it is hypothesized to rely on implicit learning (IL). Basic science
research on the phenomenon of IL provides a theoretical framework for understanding the acquisition of knowledge
outside of conscious awareness from practical experience. This framework has the potential to accelerate the
development of IDM during training and speed the acquisition of expertise. Here we describe a procedure and
present a program of research based on adapting a more operationally relevant task to controlled laboratory
conditions to bridge basic science and enhanced simulation-based training. The underlying task is one in which a
complex decision is made based on environmental terrain characteristics, such as the formation in which to proceed
with a patrolling infantry squad. This decision process is analogous to laboratory tasks in which participants learn to
discriminate among a set of visual categories, but requires a new kind of task in which the visual stimuli are
constructed from complex terrain dimensions. We defined a stimulus space based on four environmental
dimensions: vegetation density, topography (hilliness), time of day and weather conditions. An artificial category
structure was then defined within this stimulus space around three hidden prototypes. Participants learned these
categories through trial-and-error with feedback about their decisions. Across three experiments, participants
exhibited learning, increasing their decision accuracy across a range of task parameters selected to promote reliance
on IL and use IDM. The resulting protocol will serve as a testbed for quantification of IDM effects and allow future
work to examine training and educational interventions aimed at improving effective use of IDM. In addition, the
task development process can serve as a model for bridging basic science research and operationally relevant
domains.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2017 |
State | Published - 2017 |