Team-training effectiveness under various conditions

Transfer performance of 3-man teams was measured as a function of 2 system variables (task complexity and organization) and 1 training variable (skill level of a replacement for 1 of the team members) in a simulated radar controlled aerial intercept task. Each independent variable influenced team performance. Task complexity had a consistent effect across all transfer sessions with superior performance on the less complex task. Task organization influenced performance only after the replacement occurred with superior performance by teams organized to permit each S to work independently of (rather than interact with) his counterpart. The teams receiving a more highly trained replacement improved in performance immediately following; teams with a less skilled replacement actually deteriorated slightly but then recovered in a subsequent work period. (23 ref.)