Input Distortion and Observer Overlap in Decision-Making

A realistic decision-making situation was developed based on the simulation of a tactical military operation. A three-man team comprised the work unit; two acted in an information-processing role and one was assigned an information-integration and decision-making function. Differential levels of information input distortion and observer overlap were compared. It was found that input distortion degrades decision-making speed and accuracy and that the increased intensity of coverage provided by observer-overlap did not moderate this effect. Detailed analysis of the activities associated with the information-processing function were also made. The findings were interpreted in terms of both theoretical and methodological issues.