Indexing Spatial Ability Across Team Size: The Influence Of The Weakest Link, Strongest Link, And Aggregate Ability On Performance With Multiple Unmanned Systems

This study compared the effects of indexing individual differences in spatial ability and team size on performance with unmanned systems. The methods of indexing team spatial ability included measure of (a) the effects of the aggregate (mean), (b) the member that is the strongest link (has the maximum ability), and (c) the member that is the weakest link (has the minimum ability). These methods were considered in relation to the effects of team size. Results indicated that the method of indexing can moderate the strength of the relationship between spatial ability and performance. Interestingly, the impact of team size on a decision making task was moderated by spatial ability of the strongest link. Furthermore, the strongest link was also a greater predictor of reconnaissance than team size. Implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright 2011 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved