C2 Network Analysis: Insights into Coordination & Understanding

Abstract : The distributed cognitive framework (Hutchins, 1995) provides a structured and theoretical approach for analyzing cognitive characteristics beyond that of a single individual to that of a system comprising of multiple individuals, tools, and the task environment. Among some of the attributes of a distributed cognitive system are: 1) coordination across agents 2) mental models, 3) situation assessment, 4) memory demands, 5) adaptability, and 6) workload management. This paper will address recent efforts, tools, and approaches on measuring and analyzing two of these distributed cognitive attributes through network analysis, coordination across agents and mental models. Network analysis was applied with different methods and emphasis to both attribute areas. The analysis of the coordination across agents applied network analysis to analyze the patterns of interactions across human and technological agents over-time. Collecting data related to coordination over time required specific capabilities that was not readily found among observational data collection tools and therefore required a custom program that we designed. Description of the requirements and implementation of this new observational network analysis tool as well as methods to visualize longitudinal network change is addressed. The analysis of mental models also utilizes a basic network analysis approach, namely structural knowledge. The examination of structural knowledge to assess individual mental models will be discussed to provide insight into understanding. Specifically applied to C2, this analysis can provide insight into the commander and/or staff's understanding.