Team Pattern Recognition: Sharing Cognitive Chunks Under Time Pressure

This study extends the theory of Recognition Primed Decision-Making by applying it to groups. Furthermore, we explore the application of Template Theory to collaboration. 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) both with and without time-pressure. The task required teams to recognize patterns and collaborate to allocate their resources appropriately. The experiment explores the use of a cognitively aligned tool (memory chunks) designed to minimize the cognitive effort required to for teams to recognize and share recognized patterns. Dependent measures included outcome quality, resource allocation time, and resource allocation ordering. All teams received significant financial rewards in direct proportion to their outcome quality and decision speed. Teams supported with the pattern-sharing tool had high outcome quality even under time pressure.