Trait Arousability And Its Impact On Adaptive Multimedia Training

Today\u27s best intelligent, adaptive, multimedia trainers have shown excellent performance; however, their results still fall far-short of what good human tutors can achieve. The overarching thesis of this paper is that future intelligent, adaptive systems will be improved by taking into account relevant, consistent, and meaningful individual differences. Specifically, responding to individual differences among trainees will (a) form more accurate individual baselines within a training system, and (b) better inform system responses (so that they interpret and respond to observable data more appropriately). One variable to consider is trait arousability, which describes individual differences in sensitivity to stimuli. Individuals\u27 arousability interacts with the arousal inherent to a task/environment to create a person\u27s arousal state. An individual\u27s arousal state affects his/her attentional capacity, working memory function, and depth of processing. In this paper, two studies are presented. The purpose of the first study was to evaluate existing subjective measures of trait arousability and then develop a new measure by factor analyzing existing apparatus. From this well-populated (N = 622) study, a new reliable ([alpha] = .91) 35-item scale was developed. This scale includes two factors, negative emotionality and orienting sensitivity, which have been previously theorized but not yet so reliably measured. The purposes of the second study were to (a) validate the measure developed in the first investigation and (b) demonstrate the applied value of the arousability construct in the context of training. Results from the second study (N=45) demonstrated significant main effects, but the interaction effects were inconclusive. They neither clearly confirm nor invalidate the hypotheses, but they do raise further questions

Optimizing Decision Preparedness by Adapting Scenario Complexity and Automating Scenario Generation

Klein's recognition-primed decision (RPD) framework proposes that experts make decisions by recognizing similarities between current decision situations and previous decision experiences. Unfortunately, military personnel arQ often presented with situations that they have not experienced before. Scenario-based training (S8T) can help mitigate this gap. However, SBT remains a challenging and inefficient training approach. To address these limitations, the authors present an innovative formulation of scenario complexity that contributes to the larger research goal of developing an automated scenario generation system. This system will enable trainees to effectively advance through a variety of increasingly complex decision situations and experiences. By adapting scenario complexities and automating generation, trainees will be provided with a greater variety of appropriately calibrated training events, thus broadening their repositories of experience. Preliminary results from empirical testing (N=24) of the proof-of-concept formula are presented, and future avenues of scenario complexity research are also discussed

Correlation between the Korean Version of Asthma Control Test and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Asthmatics

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a patient-completed questionnaire developed to assess asthma control. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in asthmatics has shown relatively low correlations with parameters of asthma control and the relationship between the ACT and HRQL in asthmatics is yet unclear. Because revalidations of translated versions of questionnaires are critical for its utilization, we first sought to validate the Korean version of ACT and then to evaluate the relationship between the ACT and HRQL. Patients (n=117) completed the ACT and asthma-related quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) at 3 physician visits. Pulmonary function was measured and an asthma specialist rated asthma control. The Korean version of ACT was found to be reliable, valid, and responsive to changes in asthma control over time up to three consecutive visits. ACT scores correlated significantly (p=0.001) with symptoms domain (r=0.72), activity domain (r=0.65), emotional domain (r=0.69), and environmental domain (r=0.67) of AQLQ. In conclusion, the Korean version of the ACT was found to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring asthma control, and to correlate well with AQLQ scores. Moreover, the ACT was responsive to changes in AQLQ scores over time

Emerging Targets For Military Simulation-Based Training

This session brings together representatives from government and academic sectors to discuss their visions of the future of military simulation-based training. Specific discussion topics include small-unit excellence, human performance in extreme environments, intuitive decision-making, and human-robot collaboration. The goal of this special panel is to emphasize the importance of farsightedness and to promote ideation on potential strategies, risks, and challenges for the future of military simulation-based training. © 2010 SCS

Dual-Use Modeling And Simulation

Dual-use technologies include those products, principles, and techniques that have application in both military and civilian sectors. Participating in two-way dual-use technology transfer benefits both sectors; it promotes more rapid research and development innovations and can stimulate the nation\u27s economy. During this special panel session, representatives from nonmilitary agencies will discuss their modeling and simulation dual-use capabilities and gaps. The aim of this panel is to engender an open discussion among military and nonmilitary M&S specialists, with the ultimate goal of promoting enhanced collaborations among these agencies. © 2010 SCS

Simulation-Based Training For Irregular Warfare

Although the allied military remains committed to maintaining its capacity for traditional warfare, military leaders recognize that irregular approaches have become the prevailing mode of conflict. Contrasted against more traditional struggles where two relatively-equal military powers approach battle in similar ways, opponents in irregular conflicts employ unconventional methods to counter the traditional advantages of stronger opponents. These unconventional methods require the allied militaries to adapt, engaging in novel operations- and consequently creating training needs for new skill domains. During this special session, presenters will discuss some of these unique training requirements, including IED defeat strategies, human terrain issues, and team competency assessment. © 2010 SCS

Modeling the Reciprocal Relationship Between Personality and Culture

The authors hypothesize that (individual) temperament, character, and behaviors are meaningfully correlated with (aggregate) beliefs and behaviors, and then to (emergent) cultural values. In this chapter, the authors describe an initiative intended to develop a theoretically driven model of these relationships through meta-analytic data collection and path modeling. This model will then be used to computationally explore and test the hypothesized relationships. The project’s rationale and theoretical background are discussed