Personality, Attitudes, and Pilot Training Performance: Preliminary Analysis
Abstract
Developments in research concerning personality characteristics have led to a renewed interest in applications of individual measures for selection of pilot candidates. Recent research efforts have focused on selecting for positive characteristics, rather than screening out pathological traits. Another development is the use of tests in which the dimension of interest is not readily apparent to the examinee. In the present study, five personality and attitude measures were administered to 883 USAF pilot candidates as part of an experimental test battery under consideration for operational use in pilot selection and classification. These tests were designed to assess decisiveness, risk-taking, self-confidence, survival attitudes, and field dependence/ independence. Scores from these tests were examined for their utility in predicting training outcome (graduation or elimination) and advanced training recommendation (fighter or non-fighter aircraft). Results indicated that as a group, the tests demonstrated weak relationships with the performance criteria. No test manifested a consistent pattern of validity for both performance measures. Only the test of self-confidence appeared to contribute to predicting completion of training. Future research efforts are discussed with regard to refining the current test of self-confidence and establishing its construct validity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA193102
Entities
People
- Frederick M. Siem
- Theresa A. Mercatante
- Thomas R. Carretta
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory