A Cognitive Task Analysis of Coordination in a Distributed Tactical Team: Implications for Expertise Acquisition

Abstract

A Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) was conducted to examine distributed team coordination expertise. Knowledge associated with air wing strike team coordination challenges was elicited from E-2C Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) with varying levels of experience, and was assessed using a methodology consisting of multiple qualitative assessment techniques. Results include: (1) insight into the organizational structure of NFO team coordination knowledge; (2) rich representations of NFO team coordination knowledge that may be used to populate training and performance support tools; (3) experience-related differences in the use of knowledge and skill to support team coordination; and (4) knowledge and skill categories that support team coordination. Each of these results may contribute to the design of performance support tools and training guidelines, strategies, and content that enhances team coordination.