2007-2008 Assessment of the Army Research Laboratory (2009) / Chapter Skim
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3 Human Research and Engineering Directorate
3 Human Research and Engineering Directorate
Pages 26-38
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From page 26... ...
The framework for the assessment, as presented by the HRED Acting Director, emphasized HRED's dual objectives of providing science and technology to enable transitional capabilities for the smaller, smarter, lighter, and faster future force, while also seeking opportunities to accelerate technologies directly into the current force. The HRED Acting Director has been applying a new analytical planning framework, referred to as the Mission and Means Framework (MMF)
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From page 27... ...
This initiative is expected to result in fundamental studies of how to use newer neurological monitoring methods and data along with cognitive and human performance models to improve the decision-making and performance capabilities of soldiers in the field. Because this is such a new area of investigation for the Army, a collaborative program that includes multiple universities, using a Collaborative Technology Alliance (CTA)
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From page 28... ...
Network Science Army Science Objective (ASO) that is being funded through ARO and a significant new Network Science Collaborative Technology Alliance funded through the Computational and Information Sciences Directorate (CISD)
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From page 29... ...
. This example is highlighted here because it illustrates two common research issues: the model was helpful in the early planning of a complex empirical study, and the IMPRINT model's ability to make accurate predictions about human behaviors needs to be improved in order to better simulate certain types of complex soldier tasks.
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From page 30... ...
The Sphere Room appears to be slated for basic and applied sound source localization research, including the rapid measurement of head transfer functions both with and without helmets. The Dome Room has characteristics appropriate for experiments concerning the perception of sounds in space and the motion of sounds in azimuth with sound reflections.
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From page 31... ...
The details of the CTA announcement were not available at the time that this report was drafted, but HRED should develop advanced cognitive performance models to form the basis for hypotheses to be tested, and to relate various neurological measurements to the prediction of human performance capabilities and mental workload.
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From page 32... ...
, and on up to the impact of network characteristics on the performance of individuals and teams operating in a networked environment. HRED research activities and goals in network science cover social network research as well as research on the impact of network operations on human cognition.
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From page 33... ...
Nevertheless, this is clearly an important research initiative that has the potential to advance the state of the art in network science as it relates to critical Army needs, and the Board looks forward to following the progress of the research. HRED is to be commended for initiating 6.2-level network science research that is directly focused on an urgent Army research need -- analyzing the impact of complex dynamic network-centric environments on individual and team cognitive and collaborative performance.
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From page 34... ...
Advanced cognitive performance models should be developed to form the basis for hypotheses to be tested and to relate various neurological measurements to the prediction of human performance capabilities and mental workload. Environment for Auditory Research Facility The near completion of the EAR facility provides another opportunity for HRED.
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From page 35... ...
Essentially, such contexts present unparalleled opportunities to develop new network research paradigms as well as to assess the reliability and validity of existing network metrics. The primary challenge for the network science group at HRED is to execute the current research projects and become more involved with future streams of research.
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From page 36... ...
Most of the existing modeling has relied on overly simplistic, structural representations of both the anatomy and the physiology that govern human exertions of all kinds. The types of complex perceptual-motor tasks required of soldiers demand that the highest quality of biomechanical modeling and empirical studies be available if the Army is to understand the environmental and task factors that affect a soldier's performance capabilities.
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From page 37... ...
that are unique. Unfortunately, since formal research plans were lacking in detail, it was made clear to the Board how the staff will best use the new resources in the EAR facility and the new funds for the neuroergonomics program to balance research that could provide both scientific breakthroughs and solve important military problems.
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From page 38... ...
To do so will take leadership that understands and respects the complex issues involved in performing cutting-edge, human-centric research and model development. Such leadership must manage the sometimes conflicting research goals resulting from the need for fast evaluations of new technologies and systems that are being rapidly deployed, versus providing scientifically valid, predictive models, methods, and principles to improve the design of future combat systems.
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