Item: FORMATION TO RECALIBRATION – HOW MENTAL MODELS ARE FORMED, UPDATED, AND SHARED IN AVALANCHE FORECASTING WORK.
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Title: FORMATION TO RECALIBRATION – HOW MENTAL MODELS ARE FORMED, UPDATED, AND SHARED IN AVALANCHE FORECASTING WORK.
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Laura M.D. Maguire [ Cognition In The Wild, Leavenworth, WA, USA ]
- Aleph Johnston-Bloom [ David Hamre & Associates, Anchorage, AK, USA ]
- Eeva Latosuo [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: Avalanche forecasting represents complex cognitive work (McClung, 2002; Adams, 2005; Maguire & Percival, 2018), but much of the understanding of mechanisms used to carry out this work remains underspecified. Research suggests forecasters use mental models to apply their knowledge, along with currently available information, to reason about snowpack stability and the implications for their goals and objectives. This framing leads to the questions: How do forecasters' mental models form and recalibrate over time? How are faulty mental models identified? In addition, model updating is an inherently collaborative activity with the benefits of formal mentorship and networks of multiple, diverse perspectives being particularly valuable (Latosuo & Johnston-Bloom, 2018). Because of this, we ask: How does collaborative model updating work in practice? What strategies and practices aid in collaborative model updating? What role does mentorship play in model updating? This paper uses a literature review, secondary research, and focused discussions to examine the role of mental models, triggers for model updating, and collaborative model updating in avalanche forecasting work. In addition, it interprets these findings to propose recommendations that support and enhance knowledge sharing and learning within avalanche forecasting organizations.
Object ID: ISSW2023_O3.04.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Laura Maguire
Keywords: mental models, mentorship, learning, team, knowledge sharing, updating
Page Number(s): 94 - 101
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