Team coordination dynamics in cognitively demanding environments

This dissertation considers the psychological basis of models of team coordination dynamics by comparing two theories of team coordination dynamics: local-global congruency theory and dynamic function theory. Local-global congruency theory holds that optimal coordination processes selected from a set of predetermined algorithms are fundamental to team coordination. Dynamic function theory holds that deviations from optimal coordination processes are functional in nature, reflecting the extended (i.e., beyond the individual's skin) psychological foundations of team cognition.;In an experiment teams performed a simulated unmanned air vehicle task under different experimental conditions, including variable length retention interval between task performances and same versus mixed team member familiarity after the retention interval. An optimal coordination process is developed for in-task operations. Deviates based on the optimal process are then compared for the dynamical signatures of random or functional deviation in accordance with the predictions of local-global congruency and dynamic function theories, respectively. These dynamics are considered separately for each setting of the experimental control parameters. The significance of this theoretical comparison is then interpreted in light coordination stability estimated from a bottom-up model developed using the observed coordination deviations. All results are discussed in terms of the practical implications for practitioner models of team coordination dynamics, methodological contributions, and theoretical contributions to the psychology of team cognition.