P&S ModCast 163 examines cognitive load: how the growing number of information systems, tasks, tools, and competing demands in modern life can degrade attention and decision-making. The panel discusses ways to streamline cognition, build useful automaticity, and preserve enough mental bandwidth to recognize and solve the problem in front of you.
Original release: September 7, 2018
Runtime: 3 hours, 39 minutes, 52 seconds
Host: Matt Landfair
Panel
- John Brady
- Varg Freeborn
- Ash Hess
- Michael Hueser
- Raymond Miller
- Joseph Plandowski
- Chuck Pressburg
- Scott Wolf
Episode Focus
- How additional information and competing systems consume attention
- The limits of working memory during complex or rapidly changing events
- Separating useful information from distraction and noise
- Reducing unnecessary decisions through preparation, organization, and practiced routines
- Building automaticity without losing adaptability or judgment
- Managing equipment, communication, and task demands under stress
- Preserving cognitive capacity for perception, identification, and consequential decisions
Cognitive load is directly relevant to firearms training, leadership, critical response, and CQB. When basic equipment management, weapon handling, communication, or movement still requires substantial conscious attention, fewer mental resources remain available for detecting changes, interpreting behavior, coordinating with others, and making sound decisions.
Listen
Listen to P&S ModCast 163: Cognitive Load on Spreaker.