The use of computer-based collaborative knowledge mapping to measure team processes and team outcomes

摘要

In this study we examined the feasibility of using a computer-based, networked collaborative knowledge mapping system to measure teamwork skills. A knowledge map is a node–link–node representation of information, where nodes represent concepts and links represent relationships between connected concepts. We studied the nature of the interaction between team members as they jointly constructed a knowledge map. Each team member was randomly assigned to a team and communicated (anonymously) with other members by sending pre defined messages. Teamwork processes were measured by examining message usage. Each message was categorized as belonging to one of six team processes: (1) adaptability; (2) communication; (3) coordination; (4) decision making; (5) interpersonal; and (6) leadership. Team performance was measured by scoring each team's knowledge map using four expert maps as the criterion. No significant correlations were found between the team processes and team outcomes. This unexpected finding may be due in part to a split-attention effect resulting from the design of the user interface. However, students were able to successfully construct knowledge maps using our system, suggesting that our general approach to using networked computers to measure group processes remain viable given existing alternatives.