CAREER:Studies of Decision Making in Complex, Dynamic Environments

Suny At Buffalo, Amherst NY

Investigators

Abstract

This research focuses on understanding, modeling, and supporting human decision making in complex situations such as manufacturing, aviation, process control, military and non-military command and control and transportation. These situations are challenging, and can lead to potential problems and human errors, because they are often rapidly changing, have uncertain and risky elements, and require quick responses. To study these,issues, the project includes the development of interactive computer simulations to allow experiments in which participants will make decisions in complex environments such as process control or transportation. Planned experiments include investigating how people cope with uncertain information when making decisions, identifying appropriate types of performance information which may help people learn to make better decisions, and developing display formats and visualizations to help people better understand uncertainty and how it may affect their decisions. Research results will be relevant for the development of computer displays, decision-aids, and training recommendations which can lead to improved decision-making performance. The project includes educational components which are integrated with the research plan through the utilization of the experimental simulations in course exercises and projects, through undergraduate and graduate student involvement in the ongoing research, and through the incorporation of research results into course materials.