Modeling Shared Situation Awareness

Abstract

This study presents an initial computational model of shared situation awareness (SA) based upon data collected from a simulated training exercise, designed to mimic real life events in a military personnel recovery center. Situation awareness was measured during the exercise using the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). Our initial model examined how well five factors (social network distance, physical distance, rank similarity, branch similarity, and experience similarity) predicted shared SA. Overall, regression analyses highlighted the significant influence of geographical distribution (physical distance) on the development of shared SA and frequency of communications amongst team members. The discussion centers on the need for developing useful technological tools and techniques for supporting communication and collaboration among distributed teams.