An investigation of the shared mental model construct in the context of a complex team task

Dyadic-team shared mental models of a complex computer task were measured and related to team performance. Team ability (Team g) and team efficacy were also measured and related to shared mental models of the task and to team performance. Results indicated that shared mental models of a complex task are predictive of team performance and also partially mediate the relationship between team ability and team performance. An exploratory analysis of the relationship of shared mental models and team performance by team ability composition indicated that the shared mental model/team performance relationship was significant only for the mixed ability teams (composed of 1 high and 1 low ability participant). An exploratory analysis of the relative validity of three mental model referent models indicated that a mechanically generated average of experts produced a referent model that was most valid. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided.