Systematic evaluation of nuclear operator team skills training: a progress report

The authors report on the development of a systematic evaluation process that will help nuclear utilities assess the effectiveness of their existing team skills training programs for control room operators. Research focuses on defining the specific behavioral and attitudinal objectives of team skills training. A working list of specific behavioral markers that reflect good communication, crew coordination, command responsibility, and other major generic and operational team skills crucial to the safe and efficient operation of the control room has been drafted. The Cockpit Management Attitudes Questionnaire (CMAQ) has been adapted to the job of crew members in the nuclear plant control room. This instrument gives information on three attitude clusters: communications and coordination; command responsibility; and recognition of stressor effects, which were identified in previous research with the CMAQ as central to pilot's effectiveness in a teamwork environment. Simulator instructors and crew members are cooperating with the authors to validate the list of behavioral markers and attitude questionnaire to be used as primary assessment instruments.<>