Preliminary Validation of an Adaptive Tactical Training Model: Cognitive Alignment With Performance-Targeted Training Intervention Model

Abstract Effective decision-making is a hallmark of military leadership, and development of decision-makers is critical to military strategy. The Cognitive Alignment with Performance-Targeted Training Intervention Model (CAPTTIM) was developed to aid training of optimal decision-making. A subject's cognitive state suggests when the subject is exploring the decision environment versus exploiting it, and decision performance classifies whether or not the subject is making optimal decisions. CAPTTIM indicates whether those factors are aligned for achieving optimal decision-making—exploiting the environment and making optimal decisions—or not. This study identified each subject's CAPTTIM status in real time during a decision task and, when cognitive state was misaligned with decision performance, provided feedback to influence the subject's future decisions. Results provide preliminary validation of CAPTTIM: different decision-making trajectories were revealed, and those subjects who received CAPTTIM-oriented feedback were more likely to reach optimal decision-making.