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A Networked Desktop Virtual Reality Setup for Decision Science and Navigation Experiments with Multiple Participants
Published on: August 26, 2018
Distributed communication and psychosocial performance in simulated space dwelling groups.
R D Hienz1, J V Brady, S R Hursh
1Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Behavioral Biology, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. bhienz@mail.jhmi.edu
Acta Astronautica
|April 20, 2005
Summary
This study shows that spaceflight crews can communicate effectively using audio or text, even when isolated. Time pressure reduces performance, but incentives can improve it, maintaining crew cooperation.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Psychology
- Spaceflight Operations
Background:
- Simulated spaceflight missions require effective communication and performance under stress.
- Understanding human factors in isolated, dispersed crews is crucial for long-duration space exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model human performance in a simulated planetary environment.
- To investigate the impact of communication modes, stress, and incentives on mission goal completion.
Main Methods:
- Developed a distributed interactive multi-person simulation.
- Varied communication modes (audio, text), stress (time pressure), and incentives.
- Assessed human performance and psychosocial interactions.
Main Results:
- Communication modes (audio, text) showed high interchangeability.
- Time pressure stress reduced performance effectiveness.
- Positive incentives ameliorated performance reductions due to stress.
Conclusions:
- Cooperative psychosocial interactions are maintainable in isolated, dispersed crews.
- Effective communication and problem-solving are possible over extended periods without physical presence.
- Simulation provides a valuable test bed for human performance in space exploration scenarios.
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