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Subjective factors in combat simulation : correlation between fear and the perception of threat

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Abstract

The gap in realism between a simulator for training and actual combat conditions is an issue requiring further attention. This preliminary study is the first part of a long term investigation aimed at developing quantative methods for evaluating the effect of fear on combat performance. The relationship between subjective ratings of fear and the appearance and perception of threat were investigated using psychophysical experiments. It was found that fear was more strongly correlated with the perception of threat rather than the actual appearance of the threatening object. Data were used from experiments comparing observer ratings of a variety of animals known to evoke emotional responses in humans.

Executive Summary

The performance of combat simulators may be improved if it were possible to include the effect of emotional states and physiological conditions (such as fear, anxiety, courage, smell or hearing). It has been reported that battlefield effectiveness is generally lower than the level predicted by trials and exercises. This may be due in part to the fact that data based on quantitative evaluations of combat performance rarely include detailed information on human factors. Cognitive performance is known to be affected by the level of fear involved, and this has implications in many situations involving operator performance, such as air combat, land warfare and maritime operations. Fear itself is affected by such factors as the appearance or perception of threat. One may therefore assume that a relationship exists between perception of threat and battlefield performance. This pilot study examines the relationship between subjective ratings of fear and the perception of threat. Analysis of results from psychophysical experiments indicates ratings of fear and perception of threat were found to be strongly correlated, whilst significant relationships also existed between the ratings of fear and appearance. The results reveal that the perception of threat has a much greater effect on the level of fear than the actual physical appearance of the threatening object. This suggests that fear is internally generated and egocentric, and related to coping ability, a finding consistent with the human response to occupational stress. Data were used from psychological experiments comparing observer ratings of a variety of animals known to evoke emotional responses in humans. If a statistical relationship can be demonstrated between fear and the appearance and perception of threat at the laboratory scale, then there is scope for examination of this dependence (if it still exists) at a larger scale which could involve monitoring Defence personnel under conditions of real or simulated threat. Such a study would be a precursor to evaluating the decline of combat performance in threatening situations. The effect of morale on performance was not addressed here, but it is clear that there is a possible link at a higher level of abstraction.

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