Validation of Training Efficacy through Analogical Transfer between Expert Knowledge Representations and Training Environment Representations

Abstract

Thirty-four Air Force aircrew personnel were tested at Air Force Special Operations Command on their identification of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Several types of SAMs were simulated and presented to participants using a state-of-the-art training system incorporating high-fidelity terrain and voice recognition. The SAM simulations were driven by perceptual visual models and flight behavioral models. Participants identified the model of SAM, and the accuracy of trajectory (whether or not the SAM would hit their simulated aircraft). Participants were assigned to either a novice group (no combat experience) or expert group (combat experience in either the Kosovo or Iraqi air campaigns). The experts outperformed the novices, demonstrating the importance of developing simulation trainers based on perceptual and cognitive principles, and the importance of empirical validation of those principles by experts.