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Examining cognition in action: laboratory-based attentional control tasks predict performance on combat-relevant
Anthony P Zanesco1, Ekaterina Denkova2, Jordan Barry2
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|May 20, 2025
Summary
Laboratory cognitive tests measuring attentional control accurately predict military performance. This research shows sustained attention and working memory skills correlate with success in operational drills, aiding soldier selection and training.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Military Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Understanding individual differences in cognitive abilities is crucial for optimizing military performance.
- Laboratory cognitive tasks offer a controlled method to assess specific cognitive capacities relevant to military roles.
- Identifying reliable predictors of operational performance can enhance soldier selection and training programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between performance on laboratory-based attentional control tasks and operationally relevant military drills.
- To determine if cognitive measures can predict performance in simulated military environments.
- To explore the role of individual differences in attentional control on military readiness.
Main Methods:
- Two study rounds involving 356 active-duty U.S. Army soldiers across 45 squads.
- Administration of two laboratory-based tasks assessing attentional control (sustained attention and working memory).
- Evaluation of soldiers' performance on operationally relevant drills within an augmented reality military training environment.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between performance on sustained attention and working memory tasks and performance in operationally relevant drills.
- Soldiers demonstrating higher accuracy on sustained attention tasks performed better on a 'Shoot/Do Not Shoot' drill in both study rounds.
- Individual differences in attentional control tasks were linked to variations in operational drill performance.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory-based attentional control tasks are valuable indicators of performance in military operational drills.
- Individual differences in attentional control significantly influence operationally relevant performance.
- These findings support the use of cognitive assessments for enhancing military evaluation, selection, and targeted training.
