Training for Collaboration and Cognitive Alignment

This study extends the theory of Recognition Primed Decision-Making by applying it to groups. Furthermore, we explore implicit and explicit training. An experiment was conducted in which teams made resource allocation decisions while physically dispersed and supported with a shared virtual work surface (What You See Is What I See WYSIWIS). The task required teams to recognize patterns and collaborate to allocate their resources appropriately. The experiment explores the use of a cognitively aligned tool designed to minimize the cognitive effort required to for teams to recognize and share recognized patterns. Dependent measures included outcome quality, resource allocation time, and resource allocation ordering. All teams received significant financial rewards in direct proportion to their outcome quality. Teams supported with the “chunk” pattern-sharing tool had highest outcome quality.