Abstract

ESCUREDO-JIMENEZ, L. Cognitive processes and decision making in Leopard 2E tank crews. Sanid. Mil. [online]. 2022, vol.78, n.1, pp.15-21.  Epub Sep 19, 2022. ISSN 1887-8571.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s1887-85712022000100003.

Decision making in extreme situations is a superior executive process involving many factors, impulse control, risk assessment and cognitive flexibility to shift attention to different aspects of a stimulus. Most studies of decision making in extreme situations are based on observing how experts perform various tasks in a natural environment in real time. In combat situations, crews from armored units carry out decision-making under complex conditions and high levels of stress. The objective of this work is to evaluate the variables that make up these superior executive processes to obtain a clear description of the expert profile required for combat tank crew positions and thus, to design training programs that improve these capabilities. Method: a study was carried out with a group of crews (n=23) and a control group (n=26). Each of them performed three neurocognitive computer tasks that assessed impulsivity, flexibility and risk assessment (Go/noGo, Iowa test and Switch task). Results: significant differences are shown in the measurement of omission errors in these trials (t=5.795; p<0.020). In the rest of measures, no differences were found between the two groups. Conclusions: according to these results, the Leopard 2E crew show more errors of omission, which seems to be related to a greater inhibitory control of their attack responses.

Keywords : tank crews; decision making; impulsivity; flexibility.

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