Personality Trait Theory and Multitasking Performance: Implications for Ergonomic Design

Authors

Andrea D. Guastello, Marquette University
Stephen J. Guastello, Marquette UniversityFollow
Denise D. Guastello, Carroll College, Waukesha, WI

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

19 p.

Publication Date

2014

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Source Publication

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science

Source ISSN

1463-922X

Abstract

Although system designers usually minimise the role of individual differences in operation, personality variables could explain differences in multitasking performance. A concomitant theoretical issue is whether primary or surface personality traits do a better job of predicting performance than the Five-Factor Model (FFM) or global traits. A sample of 174 undergraduates completed the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), which was followed by a performance task. A computer-based task that measured simultaneous performance on an arithmetic task and a mental rotation task was used to measure multitasking performance; scores measured the percent accuracy. Primary traits for low emotional sensitivity and high abstractedness, self-control, and general reasoning were all correlated with performance (R ² = .11), but global or traits corresponding to the FFM were not, except in one sporadic task trial. There was also a strong gender effect on performance. Implications for the study of personality traits in ergonomics are discussed.

Comments

Accepted version. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Vol. 15, No. 5 (2014): 432-450. DOI. © 2014 Taylor and Francis. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Guastello, Andrea D.; Guastello, Stephen J.; and Guastello, Denise D., "Personality Trait Theory and Multitasking Performance: Implications for Ergonomic Design" (2014). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 216.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/216