Optimizing the Soldier’s Mind: How the United States Military May Categorize Tasks by Related Mental Workload Demand to Promote Optimal Performance in a Multidimensional Battlefield

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the literature of mental workload theory and methods to develop an applied model that, when implemented, will allow military personnel to effectively categorize tasks by their mental workload demand. Part I of this thesis examines popular workload measurement methods such as Primary and Secondary Task Analysis (O’Donnell & Eggemeier, 1994), SWAT analysis (Reid et al., 1981) Cognitive Continuum Theory (Hammond et al., 1987), and Recognition-Primed Decision Making (Klein, 1993); Part II proposes the Task Workload Demand Model (TWDM), an in-house product developed by the theories discussed in Part I. The TWDM provides a matrix for which researchers may input measures. In doing so, they may categorize tasks as having low, medium, or high mental workload demand. Categorization of tasks will allow military personnel the ability to effectively distribute tasks to avoid solider mental overload and thus promote optimal task performance. The next step for this model is to implement it into U.S. Military wargaming practices to test effectiveness in an applied setting.