Cue utilisation is partially related to performance on an urban operations course but not experience

Decision making in use of force relies on accurate cue identification to inform appropriate response. This research was designed to test the relationship between cue utilisation and performance prior to, and following participation in an urban operations course (UOC).

A total of 37 participants were assessed on cue utilisation measures, course outcome and between group changes following course participation.

A significant main effect was evident for Cue utilisation and administration, (p = 0.005), but not training group, (p = 0.54), nor between groups and point of administration, (p = 0.410). No main effect was evident between groups and training outcome, (p = 0.11). However, there was a main effect for point of administration, (p = 0.02) and training outcome and point of administration (p = 0.02).

Although cue utilisation is an essential component of perception-action tasks, cues may be more specific to the relevant training environment with limited transfer to the operational context.