How is a midshipman’s decision-making assessed in PCA?

A midshipman's decision-making is assessed through evaluations of scenarios and case studies because this method simulates real-life situations that require critical thinking and judgment. By analyzing specific scenarios, midshipmen must demonstrate their ability to assess information, consider various factors, and make informed decisions, reflecting the complexities of leadership and operational challenges they may face in the Navy. This approach allows assessors to evaluate not only the made decisions but also the reasoning and thought processes that led to those decisions.

In contrast, standardized tests primarily measure knowledge and may not accurately reflect practical decision-making skills. Peer feedback sessions can provide insights, but they might not capture the breadth of an individual's decision-making capabilities. Interviews with superiors might focus on past performance or character rather than assessing real-time decision-making skills in context. Therefore, the scenario-based evaluations are the most comprehensive measure for assessing midshipmen's decision-making abilities.