Examining the Mental Model Convergence Process

Wed., May 14, 2008 - Time: 3:00pm

There will be a dissertation proposal defense for Deanna M. Kennedy, Ph.D. Candidate in Management Science, for Wednesday, May 14 at 3:00 pm in SOM 210. All are invited to attend

Committee Chair: Professor Sara A. McComb

Title: Examining the Mental Model Convergence Process Using Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Genetic Algorithm Optimization

Abstract:

Teams are commonly used in organizations and have received much research attention. Uncertainty exists, however, in how team processes impact collaborative activities and, ultimately, team performance. Recently, research has focused on team cognition as a potential means of explaining this uncertainty. Extending this line of inquiry, the dissertation research proposed focuses on the interplay between teams’ cognitive and communicative processes that have been implicitly linked in past team research. By integrating cognition and communication explicitly, I examine mental model convergence via the communication of mental model content. Moreover, I study mental model convergence during task activity, whereas past research has investigated team mental model convergence at distinct points in time after collaborations. My approach will be to develop and validate a mathematical model with genetic algorithm procedures for obtaining optimality to (1) assess optimal mental model content patterns within whole team communication strings and, (2) conduct simulated experiments to test the relationship between mental model patterns under different working conditions and team performance. This research contributes to the growing literature on team cognition and the modeling of team behavior, which is salient to understanding how to employ organizational teams effectively.

Location: SOM 210 (wheelchair accessible)

Contact Information

Doctoral Programs Office
(413) 545-5675
phdsom@som.umass.edu