Carl Westin

134 Consistency and agreement in conflict resolution 6-6 Method study 2 Because Study 2 was an extension of Study 1, only relevant changes are highlighted. Only one conflict was studied, consisting of a symmetrical geometry for which a mathematical best solution is more arbitrary and less biased. The conflict was re- peated four times. In contrast to Study 1, a larger variety in participants’ solutions resulting in lower consistency and agreement was hypothesized. In addition, Study 2 explored differences between experienced and novice controllers (i.e., trainees). Experienced controllers are likely to have developed strong working routines that manifest as a general adherence to specific patterns in conflict solving. Their experience, however, signifies an increased ability to work unstructured, as they have memory access to a wide repertoire of conflict situations and solutions for handling them. While the former argues for expectations of consistency, the latter suggests inconsistency. Novice controllers, on the other hand, tend to depend more on a clear structure for working, and can be expected to more rigidly stick to defined standard operating procedures (if available). As such, consistency in conflict solving can be expected for situations where structural guidance is available. Consider, for example, a right angle conflict, for which ICAO rules of the air stipulate that “the aircraft that has the other on its right shall give way” [p. 3-2]. 123 A novice controller is expected to more strictly adhere to this right rule convention, and vector the considered aircraft to the right behind the other. 6-6-1 Participants Two simulations were conducted with a total of fourteen volunteers with ATC ex- perience. Nine were trainees (about to begin final on-the-job training) at Malm¨o Air Traffic Control Center (ATCC), Sweden. Age ranged from 24 to 29 years (mean = 26). Three females, and six males, took part. The other five participants consisted of experienced approach controllers, four from Norrk¨oping Terminal Control Center, Sweden, and one from Arlanda ATCC, Sweden. Age ranged from 26 to 47 years (mean = 32.8) and experience varied between thirteen months and 24 years (mean = 8.7). One female, and four males, participated. 6-6-2 Simulator The simulation ran on a portable computer connected to an external 21-inch monitor with a resolution of 1600x1200 pixels. Simulation speed was two times normal speed. The same simulator and SSD interface from Study 1 were used.