Consistency of the Relations of Cognitive Ability and Personality Traits to Pilot Training Performance

Abstract

The predictive validity of cognitive ability and personality traits was examined in large samples of US Air Force pilot trainees. Criterion data were collected between 1995 and 2008 from four training bases across three training tracks. Analyses also examined consistency in pilot aptitude and training outcomes. Results were consistent with previous research indicating cognitive ability is the best predictor of pilot training performance. There were few differences across training tracks, bases, and years and none were large. Overall, results illustrated the consistency of the quality of pilot trainees as assessed by cognitive ability and personality trait measures, and the consistency of these measures in predicting training performance over time. This consistency results in a more stable training system, enabling greater efficiency and effectiveness.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 22, 2014
Accession Number
ADA608732

Entities

People

  • Charles F. Michaels
  • Erica L. Barto
  • Malcolm James Ree
  • Mark S. Teachout
  • Thomas R. Carretta

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Consistency
  • Education
  • Flight Training
  • Human Behavior
  • Military Pilots
  • Personality
  • Pilots
  • Psychological Tests
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Students
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Naval Personnel Management