Acquisition and Representation of Knowledge for Distributed Command Decision Aiding

Abstract : This research addressed the problem of distributed tactical decision making (DTDM), with the focus on Naval tactical mission planning by teams of peers responsible for mission operations in anti-air (AAW), anti-submarine (ASW) , and anti-surface (ASUW) warfare. An interdisciplinary approach was employed, combining techniques from cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and computer science and focusing on the problem-solving behavior of experience human subjects in realistic tactical situations. Our contributions have been in the areas of (a) structuring this complex problem in such a way as to address its three primary dimensions (psychological, computational, and communicative) and their interrelationships in a composite theoretical framework, (b) approaching the fundamental issues involved in distributed decision-making performance by tactically experienced personnel through the use of realistic Naval tactical problems and structured interviews, (c) focusing on the planning process and its products as critical elements in individual and team problem- solving and decision making performance, and (d) developing a computer-based experimental interview and simulation system to support the presentation of tactical problems and the acquisition and representation of subjects plans and knowledge.