ABSTRACT
In his case study of decision processes involved in a collision between two ships (chap. 2, this volume) Burns highlights how the construction of an appropriate mental model of the task environment is crucial for the possibil ity of making an adequate decision. Moreover, Burns' chapter illustrates how decision makers need to update their mental models as a function of the changes in the decision situation (Factor 2 in Orasanu & Connolly's, 1993, list), partly resulting from action/feedback loops (Factor 4) in a situation in volving high time stress (Factor 5) and high stakes (Factor 6) and multiple players, that is, the commanders of the colliding ships (Factor 7). In chapter 2 (this volume), Burns outlines a "mental model" theory of decisions made by experienced people under complex dynamic and uncertain situations.