ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a description of the boundaries of the problem researchers were dealing with and offer definitions of key concepts. It describes the major theoretical perspectives researchers adopted for the program. The chapter also provides background information regarding the theoretical underpinnings of Tactical Decision Making Under Stress (TADMUS). A goal of TADMUS was to improve methods to train tactical decision making in teams and individuals so that the likelihood of reaching task proficiency is enhanced and the amount of time required to reach proficiency is reduced. One major theoretical approach to decision making that falls under the general heading of naturalistic decision making is recognition-primed decision making. Automatized skills can be performed rapidly and effortlessly even under extremely exceptional conditions such as stress. In conjunction with the naturalistic decision making movement, a number of researchers have argued that meta-cognitive skills can be crucial in stressful decision-making situations.
