ABSTRACT

Neither diagnosis nor Situational Awareness can be considered explanatory or causal concepts (Flach, 1995). Both are purely descriptive. As noted earlier, there is a strong temptation to misuse the concept of Situational Awareness as a causal agent leading to unfortunate circularity of reasoning as pointed out by Flach (1995). Both diagnosis and more ecological models of Situational Awareness (e.g. Smith & Hancock, 1995) emphasise the importance of cues in modulating performance in dynamic systems. A focus on understanding cue-based judgement has led to innovative advances in the training and assessment of expertise. Continuing efforts in these directions should continue to bear fruit.