Accelerated Training with Microworlds for Command Decision Making

Abstract

Microworlds, simple simulations that strip away tactical details, have been proposed as tools for training strategic-level command decision making. In microworlds, scenarios lasting days or weeks play out in a matter of hours. Though time acceleration has been studied in other training areas, little is known about its effects on decision making, especially regarding transfer of training. In the current study, participants were asked to perform a simple decision task modeled on peace support operations. Before performing the task, they received training on the task at a time compression ratio of either 15:1 or 5:1. While both groups achieved similar performance in training, the performance of the 15:1 training group improved when transitioning to the target task, whereas the 5:1 training group saw its performance decrease. The results suggest that time acceleration can benefit training for decision making, but more study is needed to determine optimal acceleration ratios.