Analysis of the dynamics of common ground: a methodological proposal

Abstract

The elaboration and maintenance of a common ground between team members are crucial aspects for the efficiency and safety of complex systems. A method has been designed to analyze communication between members of a bridge team of a merchant ship, that was recorded during training sessions on a bridge simulator. This method aims to pointing out the positive or negative dynamics of their common ground. It relies on Hoc coding schemes, as well as on the Bales Interaction Process Analysis. Using a transposition of computer science parsing tools, we try to qualify the different levels and the dynamics of the common ground, expressed in terms of left-open requests or average time of closure. This research is in progress. Its main interest is to combine existing coding schemes (coming from cognitive ergonomics and from social psychology) to formalize functional communications and to use computer science tools to point out and qualify the dynamics of a common ground.