Navigating Complexity in Complex Problems Solving
Investigates how teams respond to different levels of task ambiguity and complexity, and how problem framing influences group dynamics and decision-making.
Most research on complex problem solving (CPS) relies on computer-based scenarios, yet scenario design is seldom specified in a systematic way, limiting reliability, comparability, and replication. This project establishes practical standards for CPS scenario construction and reporting. We define adjustable dimensions of complexity—goal clarity, interdependence, information volatility, resource pressure, and latent structure—and apply them to a high-fidelity team task that records actions and discourse as conditions evolve. The scenario and scoring rubric were reviewed by five industry experts to ensure ecological plausibility and stable measurement. Deliverables include (i) a concise checklist and parameter table for scenario design, (ii) an open, instrumented scenario with validated scoring, and (iii) empirical mappings between scenario parameters, group discussion patterns, and performance outcomes. The work provides a transparent foundation for future experiments, meta-analyses, and replications, and offers actionable guidance for training teams to reason and decide under uncertainty.