Unreliable Information in Infantry Situation Awareness

Abstract

Previous research indicates that information reliability may influence warfighters’ situation awareness (SA). The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of unreliable information on SA and performance in a computer-simulated, infantry-based search scenario. Thirty-six students navigated a simulated combat zone. The experiment followed a one-way repeated measures design, where participants were provided with information that was associated with a certain reliability level (100%, 75%, or 50%). This information could be used to complete a simulated mission and answer SA assessment questions. The content of the information was perfect in regard to accuracy, and the only aspect of the information that changed across conditions was the stated reliability. The results revealed that stated information reliability had no significant impact on any level of SA. However, more reliable information resulted in locating a hidden objective faster, increased success rate for finding the hidden objective within the time limit, and increased ability to avoid dangerous areas. These findings further highlight the importance of information reliability on the battlefield and the need for accuracy when selecting an associated reliability level.