A critical analysis of computer simulations for conducting team research

This article discusses issues involved with the computer simulation of expe rimental tasks and settings used in ream research with human participants. First, the purpose and components of simulation methodology are discussed a long with the notion of simulation validity. Second, the common "external v alidity" criticism often leveled at experiments is considered with particul ar attention given to the fidelity and realism questions researchers face w hen choosing or developing simulated team-performance environments. Third, the advantages and disadvantages of the current state of computerized team simulations are examined. The article concludes,with considerations for fut ure team research using computer simulation methodology.