Decision models: some lessons from the field

Studies of decision-making in such environments as nuclear power plants, urban fire departments, command-and-control centers, and courtrooms are discussed. The studies provide a different perspective on decision strategies from laboratory studies that rely on naive subjects performing relatively context-free tasks under little time pressure and static task conditions. The field research paradigms generate a description of proficient decision making that emphasizes recognitional rather than analytical processes and challenges the decision tree representation of decision problems-that is, failure to use analytical methods is not a sign of incompetence since the recognitional strategies shown by decision makers seem reasonable and effective. Implications of these models for decision-support systems and for training are discussed