Influence of emotions on problem-solving strategies: fundamental studies and ecological validations in the military context – EmoCog

The expected contribution of this project is twofold, fundamental and military. Fundamental research proposed here will further our understanding of how emotions influence cognition and how this influence changes during aging. The military-related interests of the proposed work concern how emotions influence operators’ performance when manipulating combat devices. We proposed 4 workpackages (WP). The first two includes lab experiments in Cognitive Psychology to decipher mechanisms underlying how emotion influences cognition and age-related changes in these influences. Empirical studies will test the general hypothesis that emotions influence cognitive performance via strategic variations (i.e., which strategies are used, how strategies are selected and executed). These studies will be conducted in mathematical cognition, known to trigger emotions and to be sensitive to emotional contexts. WP3 and WP4 propose operational research. WP3 will test decision making during plane piloting (at landing) et Drone piloting, in environment strongly or less strongly emotional, under varying levels of pressure. WP4 will test a training programme aimed at finessing emotional regulation skills. The training programme will be conducted in a new tech environment (i.e., serious game). This project will significantly advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying effects of emotions on cognition, both in lab situation and outside the lab (military contexts) et will yield a specific and efficient, evidenced-based training programme, usefully deployed in military contexts.