Overview

Project Nemo examines the cognitive processes and representational structures used by submarine Commanders while attempting to locate an enemy submarine hiding in deep water. In phase 1 we collected protocol data from commanders with 20 years of submarine experience. These data suggest a shallow goal structure with a basic level of subgoals that are used by all Commanders throughout the task. Relatively few operators are required for each subgoal. The results are congruent with a schema theory interpretation in which the process of schema instantiation provides the control of cognition.

In phase 2 we collected performance and protocol data from junior, mid-career, and senior submarine officers. The data support the conclusions from phase 1 that most AO actions can be characterized as a sequence of small, steps in a shallow goal hierarchy (rather than as following a detailed master plan). The nature of these successive choices vary as a function of the officerÍs expertise. The results are congruent with an interpretation in which the process of schema instantiation provides the control of cognition.

Funded by the Office of Naval Research

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