Overview
October 2016 Strategic Multi-Layer Assessment (SMA) white paper examining bio-psycho-social approaches to cognitive engagement for Military Information Support Operations (MISO). The volume synthesizes research from neuroscience, psychology, social network analysis, and behavioral science to inform how U.S. forces can influence adversary decision-making in the human domain.
Key Findings
Cognitive Engagement Framework: Cognitive engagement is a data-driven approach requiring Human Factors Analysis (HFA) that evaluates psychological attributes (motivation, thinking style, beliefs), cultural attributes (values, norms), behavioral attributes (responses to stimuli), and their neural correlates to influence decision-making, information flow, objective reasoning, neurobiological states, and ultimately behavior.
Neurocognitive Persuasion Model: Successful persuasion associates with medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) activity through self-integration processes. Counterarguing engages right lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC). Self-affirmation activates ventral striatum (VS) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Narrative immersion relies on dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) and tempoparietal junction (TPJ).
Four Psychological Processes: The neurocognitive persuasion model identifies self-integration, counterarguing, self-affirmation, and narrative immersion as interacting processes that increase or decrease belief and behavior change through MPFC/PCC activity.
Operational Implications
The white paper argues that current MISO methods relying on focus groups and surveys are suboptimal. Improved product testing requires neuroscience-informed approaches. The volume proposes a "cognitive database" for integrating lessons from operations, simulations, and SME teams into training cycles.
Integration Requirements: Effective cognitive engagement demands integration of narrative-focused and action-focused communities, with narratives shaping perception before actions occur, stabilizing during execution, and reinforcing outcomes afterward.
Limitations
The white paper acknowledges that while it provides a brief introduction to cognitive influence, the field requires additional applied research, development, and testing. Many concepts represent current capabilities while others are future-directed recommendations requiring resources for basic science components and potential applied solutions.