The effect of experience on the perception of decision scenarios: A field study

Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) was used to examine differences in the perceptions of individuals at different levels of experience in the same profession. Using a procedure similar to that described by Fischer, Orasanu, and Wich (1995), aviators, representing four levels of experience, sorted 27 descriptions of aviation scenarios into categories of similar problem type. Each participant also rated the scenarios on a series of bipolar scales. Aviators from all groups sorted the scenarios into some similar and some different categories. Greater differences were found in the categorizations made by the two less experienced groups as compared with those of the two more experienced groups. In particular, the less experienced groups' categorizations of scenarios were not as well defined as the those of the two more experienced groups and appeared to focus more on the decision event itself. The categorizations of the two more experienced groups were highly similar to each other and seemed to include considerations beyond the decision event. Specifically, all groups sorted the scenarios in terms of crew coordination/workload and all but the least experienced group also sorted in terms of time/risk. However, the two more experienced groups also considered the impact of the events in each scenario on the overall flight plan. The results of this research confirmed the proposed expectation that there is a change in perceptions of problems from low experience level individuals to those with higher experience. Limitations of this study as well as future research and practical implications are discussed.