b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Evaluation of Computer Games Based Firearms

Training Simulation

Paul RobertsonJim BownPat Cronin

Scott Hardie

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Overview

• The project combines knowledge from Computing and Psychology

• To produce a proof of concept training simulator that focuses on the shoot/no-shoot dilemma

• Unlike current training this new simulation utilises games technology

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Current Provisions

• Part of current firearms training is done within simulators

• Video based• Created using actors• Based on real events• Can not be reused• Lacks interaction

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Our Approach

• Developed using a games engine• Not static

– Not the same every time– Multiple factors can be manipulated

• Interactive– Observer’s action affect the scenario

• Reusable

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

The Study

• Evaluate the environmental validity of the simulation• Users may treat the simulation as a game• Research shows officers’ decisions can be manipulated

by accountability (Cronin & Reicher, 2006)• If the simulation was environmentally valid, user

decisions could be manipulated by external accountability

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Protocol

• Two groups of 45 participants each, consisting of students and members of staff

• Took part in a simulation session of 15 different scenarios– Five High threat scenarios– Five Medium threat scenarios– Five Low threat scenarios

• User decisions and reaction times were recorded

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

ResultsComparison of Responses With and Without Accountability Manipulation

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Correct Incorrect Correct Incorrect Correct Incorrect

High Medium Low

Response Category

Per

cen

t R

esp

on

ses

Without Manipulation

With Manipulation

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Results

• Suggested significant difference between groups (p<0.018)

• No significant difference in reaction times (p<0.192)• Results show a shift in bias for decisions making

– Participants in the group with manipulation have a bias towards not shooting, while participants in the group without manipulation have a bias towards shooting

b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s

UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY

Additions

• Currently collecting data with trained firearms officers

• References– Cronin, P.D.J. & Reicher, S.D. (2006). “A Study of the Factors that Influence how Senior

Officer Police Crowd Events: On SIDE outside the Laboratory.” British Journal of Social Psychology, Vol. 45, pp.175-196.