The use of pattern-communication tools and team pattern recognition

This study extends the theory of recognition primed decision-making by applying it to groups. An experiment was conducted in which teams made resource allocation decisions while physically dispersed and supported with a shared virtual work surface (What You See Is What I See-WYSIWIS). The task required teams to recognize patterns and collaborate to allocate their resources appropriately. The experiment explored the use of tools (item versus chunk level communication) designed to minimize the cognitive effort required to recognize and communicate patterns among team members. Dependent measures included pattern communication correctness, pattern communication time, resource allocation time, and outcome quality. All teams received significant financial rewards in direct proportion to their outcome quality. Teams supported with the pattern-communicating tools had significantly higher outcome quality and significantly less resource movements and allocation time than teams in the control condition. Further, the teams that used the chunk-communicating tool performed significantly better than the teams supported with an item-communicating tool.