ENVISIONING BETTER POLICE PERFORMANCE WITH SELECTIVE-FIDELITY TRAINING: LESSONS FROM SIMULATIONS AND VIRTUAL REALITY IN AVIATION AND MEDICINE

This thesis explores how technology-based, selective-fidelity training methods found in aviation and medicine can improve law enforcement training and performance. Professionals in aviation, medicine, and law enforcement all encounter high-risk and unpredictable situations. Within aviation and medicine, research has shown that simulation and virtual reality (VR) can improve performance at all levels—from beginner to advanced. This thesis reviews Bloom’s taxonomy, state- and context-dependent learning, and law enforcement training practices; assesses the efficacy of selective-training methods across the aviation and medical fields; and reviews real-world applications of simulation and VR. This research determined that certain technology-based, selective-fidelity training methods found in aviation and medicine may improve law enforcement training and performance. To best leverage simulation and VR, the law enforcement community should match the device’s fidelity (high or low) to the underlying learning objective; utilize both high- and low-fidelity training methods confidently; and mimic the medical sector’s standard, policy, and procedure development for technology-based, selective-fidelity training methods. Also, high-fidelity training methods may improve performance in novel situations. Finally, law enforcement trainers should use certain devices to mitigate stress, treat post-traumatic stress disorder, teach checklist material, and promote confidence.Civilian, City of Tulsa, Tulsa Police DepartmentApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

The Effects of Coping Interventions on Ability to Perform Under Pressure

The ability to perform under pressure is necessary to achieve goals in various domains of life. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise findings from applied studies that focus on interventions developed to enhance an individual’s ability to cope under performance pressure. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of five electronic databases was conducted. This yielded 66,618 records, of which 23 peer review papers met inclusion criteria of containing an intervention that targeted coping skills for performing under pressure. Using the Standard Quality Assessment for evaluation of primary research papers (Kmet et al., 2004) to assess quality, included studies performed well on reporting research objectives, research design, and statistical procedures. Sixteen studies showed poor quality in controlling for potentially confounding factors and small sample sizes. A narrative aggregate synthesis identified intervention studies that provided an educational focus (n = 9), consultancy sessions (n = 6), simulation training (n = 5) and emotion regulation strategies (n = 3). Findings highlight a need to; 1) establish a contextualized pressure task which will generate high levels of ecological validity for participants. Having established a suitable pressure task, 2) research should assess the effects of pressure by evaluating conscious and nonconscious effects and associated coping mechanisms, which should inform the subsequent development of interventions, and 3) assess interventions to enhance understanding of the ways in which they improve coping with pressure, or may fail, and the mechanisms which may explain these outcomes

The Effects of Coping Interventions on Ability to Perform Under Pressure

The ability to perform under pressure is necessary to achieve goals in various domains of life. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise findings from applied studies that focus on interventions developed to enhance an individual's ability to cope under performance pressure. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of five electronic databases was conducted. This yielded 66,618 records, of which 23 peer review papers met inclusion criteria of containing an intervention that targeted coping skills for performing under pressure. Using the Standard Quality Assessment for evaluation of primary research papers (Kmet et al., 2004) to assess quality, included studies performed well on reporting research objectives, research design, and statistical procedures. Sixteen studies showed poor quality in controlling for potentially confounding factors and small sample sizes. A narrative aggregate synthesis identified intervention studies that provided an educational focus (n = 9), consultancy sessions (n = 6), simulation training (n = 5) and emotion regulation strategies (n = 3). Findings highlight a need to; 1) establish a contextualized pressure task which will generate high levels of ecological validity for participants. Having established a suitable pressure task, 2) research should assess the effects of pressure by evaluating conscious and nonconscious effects and associated coping mechanisms, which should inform the subsequent development of interventions, and 3) assess interventions to enhance understanding of the ways in which they improve coping with pressure, or may fail, and the mechanisms which may explain these outcomes.University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Clu

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Graduated Stress Exposure in Virtual Spaceflight Hazard Training

Psychological and physiological stress experienced by astronauts can pose risks to mission success. In clinical settings, gradually increasing stressors help patients develop resilience. It is unclear whether graduated stress exposure can affect responses to acute stressors during spaceflight. This study evaluated psychophysiological responses to potentially catastrophic spaceflight operation, with and without graduated stress exposure, using a virtual reality environment. Twenty healthy participants were tasked with locating a fire on a virtual International Space Station (VR-ISS). After orientation, the treatment group (n = 10) practiced searching for a fire while exposed to a low-level stressor (light smoke), while the control group (n = 10) practiced without smoke. In the testing session, both groups responded to a fire while the VR-ISS unexpectedly filled with heavy smoke. Heart rate variability and blood pressure were measured continuously. Subjective workload was evaluated with the NASA Task Load Index, stress with the Short Stress State Questionnaire, and stress exposure with time-to-complete. During the heavy smoke condition, the control group showed parasympathetic withdrawal, indicating a mild stress response. The treatment group retained parasympathetic control. Thus, graduated stress exposure may enhance allostasis and relaxation behavior when confronted with a subsequent stressful condition

The Effect Of Skydiver Experience On High-Performance Landing Fatalities

Skydiving fatalities upon landing, especially during high-performance landings, have overwhelmed the sport as one of the largest categories of fatalities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of an experienced skydiver on high-performance landing fatalities since the introduction of high-performance canopies. In addition, the study determined if experts in the field see factors of experience as contributors to fatalities. The United States Parachute Association fatality database published online was used to analyze the effect between skydiver experience and high-performance landing fatalities. Five interviews were conducted with industry experts. No statistically significant result was found relating experience to high- performance landing fatalities. Interviews were inconclusive in perceptions of experience related to high-performance landing fatalities, however time in the sport and education was discussed by a majority of the experts. Lack of significance and inconclusive interview results indicates no effect was found between high-performance landing fatalities and skydiver experience

Assessing and predicting human performance using simulator data and probabilistic methods

Lifeboat training is normally conducted in calm waters to minimize the risk to trainees and equipment. Practice in anything other than benign conditions is prohibited. Trainees are given little or no opportunity to practice in conditions that are probable in an emergency, including moderate sea states and reduced visibility. Coxswains are also expected to be able to deal with hazards and equipment faults although they are not exposed to these conditions in practice. Consequently, little is known about how trainees will perform in an actual emergency and the modeling of human performance in harsh environments has not been possible due to the scarcity of human performance data. With the advent of lifeboat simulator technology, it is now possible for trainees to practice in adverse weather conditions and to apply their skills in realistic emergency scenarios. Data can now be collected to assess how skills are acquired in training and how skills transfer to new operating scenarios. This data can be used to create models to investigate learning and to predict performance. The research in this proposal uses data collected from experimental studies performed with a simulator to study skill acquisition and retention, to predict human performance in emergencies, and to form models of competence that can be used to study this problem space. The thesis also provides insights on human performance and equipment limitation and uses numerical simulations to generate data of lifeboat launches into high sea states. The thesis comprises of four research papers, presented as chapters. The first paper evaluates how the type of training received affects the performance of lifeboat operators based on their ability to complete tasks in an emergency scenario. In the second paper, Bayesian inference is used to produce models of human performance to investigate skills acquisition in new trainees transfer of skills to new scenarios. The third paper presents a method to create models of competence using Bayesian Networks which are derived from expert prediction and experimental data. The final paper examines the performance of lifeboats in high sea states and the impact of coxswain timing on the launch performance, using data collected from numerical simulations. The contribution of the research is 1) knowledge on the amount of practice needed to achieve and retain competence to launch an lifeboat, 2) an evaluation of how skills acquired in training transfer to new scenarios, 3) knowledge on how the type of training received affects performance in an emergency scenario, 4) insights on how much practice is needed to learn different lifeboat task types, 5) an increased knowledge of equipment performance limitations in weather conditions possible in an offshore emergency, and 6) methodologies to create probabilistic models of performance that can be used to study learning and adapt training. The study outcomes have relevance to training providers and presents methodologies that can be used to study other problem areas. The scope of work is performed in five studies using the outcomes of a human factors experiment and numerical simulations

So Others May Live: Enhancing Resilience and Performance for United States Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Candidates to Help Close the AST Body-to-Billet Gap

The Coast Guard is facing a shortage of entry-level Aviation Survival Technicians, more commonly known as helicopter rescue swimmers, due to high attrition from the training pipeline. Stretching thin a workforce which operates under some of the worst conditions on the planet is a recipe for injury or even loss of life. Positive and performance psychology offer tools to enhance candidates’ performance and resilience in this high-stress environment to enable them to meet rigorous graduation standards. Informed by the military’s recent focus on building resilience, traditional psychological skills training (PST) and mindfulness training (MT) offer empirically-grounded instructional paradigms to help address this shortfall of rescue swimmers. Situating PST and MT in the stress exposure training cycle already employed in many military settings offers a contextually relevant framework for applying these interventions. Specifically, I propose incorporating PST and MT into existing training in three places: 1) PREP, the five-day candidate preparatory program, 2) the web-based information portal for candidates, and 3) specific portions of the school. Introducing this targeted mental training as part of the rescue swimmer training pipeline should help increase graduation rates and produce more candidates prepared to live the rescue swimmer motto, “so others may live.

Using the functional resonance analysis method (FRAN) to model and analyze lifeboat training in a simulator

Lifeboat operation is a complex procedure in which safety and rescue are of utmost importance. Training coxswain to perform these operations and acquiring sufficient skills and competencies to face unforeseen risks in harsh weather conditions is challenging. However, lifeboat simulators facilitate the training by removing the risk of training in real environments and improving training courses and trainees' skills. In this study, a Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) model for launching a lifeboat and on-water tasks was created based on the approved lifeboat training course materials, rubric grading, and lifeboat course scenarios. Two scenarios were used to identify some essential functions in a lifeboat operation. Launch a lifeboat, get away from the platform and drive to a safe zone, pick up Person In Waters (PIWs), recover people from the life raft, tow a life raft, stop by a vessel and transfer the PIW are some tasks covered in this FRAM model. The model was tested with the simulator to identify variabilities in terms of accuracy and time. Five volunteers were asked to perform these scenarios. FRAM signatures of different performances were created to visualize various ways of doing an operation. Successful and unsuccessful operations were monitored using the FRAM, and key elements to having successful and unsuccessful outcomes were determined. Identifying functions and their variations helped to discover where and how trainees act differently in the lifeboat operation. The results of building the FRAM model showed that four categories of functions contributed to lifeboat operation, including action, assessment, decision-making, and skill. The comprehensive model presented in this study enables the researcher to better understand lifeboat operations and helps identify the variations that can affect an operation. Effective processes and key features to diagnose acceptable vs. unacceptable performance extracted by FRAM can be considered a perfect source of observational learning to inform trainees. The FRAM approach used in this study can be employed to determine work practices that are more or less effective, allowing for the adaptation of processes and techniques to steer lifeboat training in the direction of routes that would provide better results

Adaptation of military pilots of supersonic aircrafts on stress workload

Tato práce se zabývá vlivem stresu na výkon vojenských pilotů nadzvukových letadel. V teoretické části se věnuje vymezení pojmu stres, jeho možným pojetím, dále strategiím zvládání stresu a nejnovějším metodám objektivizace stresové zátěže. Součástí teoretického úvodu je zasazení problematiky stresu do oblasti letové činnosti a konkrétně specifikaci práce vojenských pilotů. Praktická část se opírá o teoretickou přípravu a výzkumně ověřuje předem stanovené předpoklady o závislosti stresu na výkonu letové činnosti. Tato souvislost byla empiricky ověřena experimentem prováděným na taktickém letovém simulátoru, kde běžně trénují piloti proškolení na nadzvukové letouny. Stres jsme objektivizovali fyziologickými daty a psychologickými dotazníky. Výsledky poskytují informace o nejstresovějších a nejobtížnějších událostech objevujících se v průběhu taktické bojové mise. Byla prokázána také souvislost mezi osobností, klidovou tepovou frekvencí a efektivitou výkonu. Klíčová slova: Stres, Vojenští piloti, Výkon, Mentální zátěž, Tepová frekvenceThis diploma thesis deals with impact of stress on performance of military pilots of supersonic aircrafts. The theoretical part is based on definition of the term stress, his relating theories, the strategies of coping with stress and possible methods of objectivization of mental workload. This part also provides an overview of stress occuring during flight activity and specifics of the job of military pilot. The research is based on theoretical models and previous researches and the aim is to analyze the hypothesis about the dependence of stress on performance of the military pilot.This correlation was empirically verified by experimental study conducted in tactical flight simulator designed for a training on supersonic airplanes. The mental workload was investigated by physiological data and psychological questionnaires. The results are showing the most stressful and most difficult situations that appeared during tactical combat mission. There was a significant correlation between personality, resting heart rate and the effectivity of the performance. Key words: Stress, Military pilots, Performance, Mental workload, Heart rateDepartment of PsychologyKatedra psychologieFilozofická fakultaFaculty of Art

The Mind as a Weapon: A Phenomenological Exploration of how Elementary Teachers Use Mental Imagery to Prepare for Active Shooter Events

The purpose of this transcendental, phenomenological study was to understand how teachers use aspects of mental imagery as a preparatory stress inoculation tool for potentially confronting active shooters at Truman Elementary School (pseudonym). The theory guiding this study was self-efficacy theory as theorized by Albert Bandura; self-efficacy theory rationalizes the way one views oneself will be the source of motivation in subsequent performance. In the context of this study, if teachers saw themselves as successful, then they were successful. Mental imagery was generally defined as visualization techniques that prepared teachers to mentally condition themselves to deal with active shooter events. The study took place at Truman Elementary School, and the participants consisted of 10 certified teachers. Prior to conducting interviews, site documents pertaining to current training for active shooter events were reviewed. Primary data were collected by interviewing 10 teachers, followed by a focus group session with the same participants. The collected data were analyzed using Moustakas’ seven steps of phenomenological research, which included identifying key statements from the participants, clustering responses into themes, and the construction of textural and structural descriptions for each participant. Results from the study included the desire of participants to preserve life, participants desire for additional training, the need for participants to always be prepared, collaboration with other participants, and the outside influences of each participant, which aided in mental image formation. The study determined teachers used mental imagery as a stress inoculation tool for potentially confronting active shooters