Validating a Model of Team Collaboration

Abstract

A model of team collaboration was developed that emphasizes cognitive aspects of the collaboration process and includes the major processes that underlie this type of communication: (1) individual knowledge building, (2) knowledge interoperability, (3) team shared understanding, and (4) developing team consensus. This paper describes research conducted to validate this model and determine how these processes contribute to team performance by analyzing two collaborative decision-making tasks. Team communications that transpired during two complex problem solving situations were analyzed and coded. Data was analyzed for two teams that conducted a Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) and four teams that engaged in an air-warfare scenario. The MIO scenario involves a boarding team that boards a suspect ship to search for contraband cargo (e.g. explosives, machinery) and possible terrorist suspects. The air-warfare scenario involves identifying air contacts in the combat information center of an Aegis ship.