Representing distributed cognition in complex systems: how a submarine returns to periscope depth

Abstract

This paper presents the Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork (EAST) method as a means of modelling distributed cognition in systems. The method comprises three network models (i.e. task, social and information) and their combination. This method was applied to the interactions between the sound room and control room in a submarine, following the activities of returning the submarine to periscope depth. This paper demonstrates three main developments in EAST. First, building the network models directly, without reference to the intervening methods. Second, the application of analysis metrics to all three networks. Third, the combination of the aforementioned networks in different ways to gain a broader understanding of the distributed cognition. Analyses have shown that EAST can be used to gain both qualitative and quantitative insights into distributed cognition. Future research should focus on the analyses of network resilience and modelling alternative versions of a system.

Abstract

Practitioner summary: This paper presents a practical method for analysing and evaluating distributed cognition in complex systems. The Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork (EAST) method presents task, social and information network models both individually and combined. The network models can be analysed qualitatively by visual inspection and quantitatively using network analysis metrics.

Keywords::

• distributed cognition
• networks
• team work
• submarine

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Kevin Bessell of BAE Systems for his assistance with recording and transcribing the verbal communication data. This work from the Human Factors Integration Defence Technology Centre (HFI DTC) was partly funded by the Human Capability Domain of the UK Ministry of Defence.