Title

Complex Collaborative Problem-Solving Processes In Mission Control

Keywords

Collaborative problem solving; Distributed teams; Macrocognition in teams; Mission control

Abstract

ntroduction: NASA's Mission Control Center (MCC) is responsible for control of the International Space Station (ISS), which includes responding to problems that obstruct the functioning of the ISS and that may pose a threat to the health and well-being of the fl ight crew. These problems are often complex, requiring individuals, teams, and multiteam systems, to work collaboratively. Research is warranted to examine individual and collaborative problem-solving processes in this context. Specifi cally, focus is placed on how Mission Control personnel-each with their own skills and responsibilities-exchange information to gain a shared understanding of the problem. The Macrocognition in Teams Model describes the processes that individuals and teams undertake in order to solve problems and may be applicable to Mission Control teams. Method: Semistructured interviews centering on a recent complex problem were conducted with seven MCC professionals. In order to assess collaborative problem-solving processes in MCC with those predicted by the Macrocognition in Teams Model, a coding scheme was developed to analyze the interview transcriptions. Results: Findings are supported with excerpts from participant transcriptions and suggest that team knowledge-building processes accounted for approximately 50% of all coded data and are essential for successful collaborative problem solving in mission control. Support for the internalized and externalized team knowledge was also found (19% and 20%, respectively). Discussion: The Macrocognition in Teams Model was shown to be a useful depiction of collaborative problem solving in mission control and further research with this as a guiding framework is warranted. © by the Aerospace Medical Association. Alexandria, VA.

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Publication Title

Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine

Volume

85

Issue

4

Number of Pages

456-461

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.3357/ASEM.3819.2014

Socpus ID

84897569463 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84897569463

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