Theoretical considerations of personality, cognition, and task specificity for inspection task personnel selection

The role of personality in the workplace is still unclear after years of research. Individual differences, however, continue to be mentioned in research as an explanation for unexpected results. The current study measured the personality (using the NEO-PIR) and cognitive styles (using the Group Embedded Figures Test) of 66 participants and looked at correlations between these measures and several performance measures of visual inspection. GLM ANOVA was used to test relevant personality components as covariates of inspection performance. Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection, a supplement to visual inspection, of jet turbine blades was simulated using a computer. Field Independent individuals were found to have a higher probability of detection than Field Dependent individuals. In all, 108 correlations were tested. Although several correlations existed, the number of correlated components is less than would be expected by chance, suggesting that personality is not predictive of inspection task performance.