Title

Toward An Understanding Of Macrocognition In Teams: Predicting Processes In Complex Collaborative Contexts

Keywords

collaborative problem solving; externalized cognition; knowledge building; knowledge-based team performance; macrocognition in teams; naturalistic decision making; team cognition; team performance

Abstract

Objective: This article presents a model for predicting complex collaborative processes as they arise in one-of-a-kind problem-solving situations to predict performance outcomes. The goal is to outline a set of key processes and their interrelationship and to describe how these can be used to predict collaboration processes embedded within problem-solving contexts. Background: Teams are increasingly called upon to address complex problem-solving tasks in novel situations. This represents a domain of performance that to date has been underrepresented in the research literature. Method: Multidisciplinary theoretical and empirical literature relating to knowledge work in teams is synthesized. Results: A set of propositions developed to guide research into how teams externalize cognition and build knowledge in service of problem solving is presented. First, a brief overview of macrocognition in teams is provided to distinguish the present work from other views of team cognition. Second, a description of the foundational theoretical concepts driving the theory of macrocognition in teams presented here is provided. Third, a set of propositions described within the context of a model of macrocognition in teams is forwarded. Conclusion: The theoretical framework described in this article provides a set of empirically testable propositions that can ultimately guide practitioners in efforts to support macrocognition in teams. Application: A theory of macrocognition in teams can provide guidance for the development of training interventions and the design of collaborative tools to facilitate knowledge-based performance in teams. © 2010, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Publication Date

4-1-2010

Publication Title

Human Factors

Volume

52

Issue

2

Number of Pages

203-224

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720810369807

Socpus ID

77956800472 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/77956800472

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