The predictive validity of personality tests in air traffic controller selection
conference paper
A brief historical review of test methods used for selecting air traffic controllers (ATCOs) shows that in contrast to e.g. ability tests and job samples, personality tests have been used rather infrequently. The lesser popularity of personality tests may be explained from the belief that personality tests are generally less valid predictors of work related performance, which prevailed in the selection literature until the 1990’s, but also from a lack of empirical findings demonstrating their validity in ATC environments. In the context of a validation study of the Dutch Air Traffic Control Selection System (DATCOSS), we examined the predictive validity of ten personality scales against several criteria of success in ATCO training at Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL). Our study shows that the validities of personality scales vary with the stage and content of training, but reach substantial levels in Unit Training. They also show modest incremental validity over ability tests. We conclude that personality tests can make meaningful contributions to the prediction of ATC training success and to the effectiveness of selection.
TNO Identifier
463933
Source title
EAAP conference, sept 2012
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