Presentation by John Fetterman and L. Daniel Maxim at the NASBLA Conference, September 2011. Implications of the Invisible Gorilla and related research Importance in LE and investigation context Literature samples and teasers The way forward

1. Implications of the Invisible Gorilla John Fetterman and L. Daniel Maxim

2. Outline of presentation Implications of the Invisible Gorilla and related research Importance in LE and investigation context Literature samples and teasers The way forward 2

3. The Invisible Gorilla Contents of the book (and the seminal experiments conducted by the authors) interesting and revealing in terms of knowledge of the fallibility of our perceptions Experiments humorous and (to many) the results unexpected But the lecture was far more than entertaining—some implications are covered here 3

4. The Gorilla and related experiments Help us understand “inattentional blindness” and “change blindness” Results have important implications for need for situational awareness (SA) in several fields including Accident causation and role of human factors Need for high levels of SA for safety of law enforcement officers Let’s capitalize on this knowledge! 4

5. One example: two pilot cockpits NASA studies of “heads up” displays in cockpits indicated that pilots could fail to spot aircraft on active runway—not because of display (designed to be an improvement) but because of pilot’s inattentional blindness and focus on flying the aircraft 5

6. Two pilot cockpits Scheduled airliners typically use two pilots: The flying pilot (FP) who focuses on reading the gauges and manipulating the controls The non-flying pilot (NFP) who handles communications, reads checklists, programs the flight computer, and monitors the “big picture” The NFP maintains a lookout for invisible Gorillas 6

7. But what about single pilot operations? The invisible Gorilla offers lessons here as well Don’t let task load increase the likelihood of inattentional blindness—manage workload Identify the key Gorillas (e.g., runway incursions, distractions) as key things that “need to be seen:” include in training Use multiple inputs (e.g., communications) to develop accurate situational awareness 7

8. The invisible Gorilla Vividly highlights the importance of maintaining SA SA can be learned! Identifying key elements of information necessary to maintain the big picture Identifying barriers to good SA Tips to identify when SA has been lost and ways to regain SA 8

9. Uses of this research for NASBLA Helping to develop an improved understanding of recreational boating accidents (why, not what or how explanations): findings also have implications for Accident investigation, LE training, and Design of improved training content for recreational boaters 9

10. This breakout session addresses Importance of this topic for training of LE personnel Opportunities for NASBLA to develop improved training for LE personnel Better SA Limitations of eyewitness testimony Investigation biases Concepts explored in following slides 10

11. Importance in le context 11

12. Perception literature implications Need to improve SA of LE personnel for increased safety and efficiency Need to understand limitations of self awareness Need to understand limitations of memory and eyewitness testimony and ways to correct for these 12

13. Relevant factoids Each year approximately 50 LE officers murdered and another 50 killed in line of duty Each year approximately 60,000 assaulted in line of duty Surprising facts about victims Not rookies Often killed because of lack of SA Victims often overestimate ability to read cues 13

14. It’s not just rookies (FBI data) 14 Average age of victims 38 years

15. In nearly half of the deaths the officer did not attempt to use own weapon 15

16. Violent Encounters Study (2006) by Pinizzotto, Davis, and Miller (USDOJ, FBI, National Institute of Justice), hereinafter “PDM” Designed to identify ways to improve safety-training techniques Identified perceptual distortions associated with violent encounters and implications for safety training 16

17. Officer characteristics (PDM) Hard working, Friendly and well liked, Failed to follow all the rules, especially in regard to arrests, confrontations with prisoners, traffic stops, and waiting for backup, and Felt that they could “read” others/situations and dropped their guard as a result 17

18. Literature samples 18

19. The psychology/human factors literature is worth studying The literature offers important insights into human behavior/perceptions and options for improvement Iceberg models SA developments Modern research into memory limitations Biases in investigation Some examples shown following 19

20. 20 Heinrich ratio: Iceberg model Fatal Accident 1 Non-fatal accidents 10 Reportable incidents 30 Unsafe acts 600 20

21. Dunning-Kruger effect 21

22. Situational awareness 22

23. SA literature Extensive literature on SA, determinants of SA, and ways to increase SA Applications in aviation, marine, medicine, LE, and various industries (e.g., nuclear power plants) 23

24. SA literature Extremely varied literature Barriers to SA now understood (e.g., workload, time pressures, communications, distractions, fatigue) Training techniques developed for improved SA 24

25. We know more about memory We know much more about memory and limitations (errors of commission and omission) Are vivid “flashbulb” memories reliable? 25

26. We know more about memory We know much more about the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, biases, and ways to compensate Are confident witnesses more reliable? 26

27. We know much more about biases 27

28. Confirmation bias 28

29. The way forward 29

30. Opportunity Now is an opportune time to put together a course for investigators and LE personnel Course would distill the relevant literature and show how this has practical applications for NASBLA (and other LE) personnel 30

31. Pilot 8-hour course Well grounded in literature Excellent videos and handout materials Taught by professionals in various fields Lead instructors, John Fetterman and Dr. L. Daniel Maxim (in view of DK effect they don’t claim to be competent!) Pilot version (beta test) could be put together in four-six months 31

32. Next steps Form working group (NASBLA, USCG) to be used as “sounding board” or oversight panel Write grant application to cover course development and initial presentation Consult with others (e.g., DOJ) who might participate as guest lecturers Develop and present course Write “after action” report 32

33. Questions, comments, time for a 33 BREAK! 33