University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
Aviation Psychology: Cognition and Personality
Presenter Hometown
Richmond, KY
Major
Psychology
Department
Psychology
Mentor
Alexander D. Varakin
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Austin, Jessica; Laudick, Chris; Morris, Thomas; Nakai, Yoshie; Simkins, Josh; Smith, Amelia; Varakin, Alexander D.; and Wilson, James G., "Aviation Psychology: Cognition and Personality" (2024). University Presentation Showcase Event. 6.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2024/undergraduate/6
Abstract
This study has two main objectives. The first is to measure the personality traits of aviation students at EKU. Recent research indicates the existence of a distinct "pilot personality profile," characterized by heightened emotional stability and conscientiousness compared to the general population. The current study will evaluate aviation students at EKU and see how they compare to that specific profile. The second objective is to evaluate aviation students' confidence in their visual abilities during flight and to see whether certain interventions can help them better calibrate their confidence with their actual abilities. Awareness of cognitive limitations is vital for pilots as failure to recognize them can lead to catastrophic consequences. Results will be analyzed to determine the relationship between personality traits, aviation outcomes, and perceptions of visual awareness. Findings from this study could inform aviation instructors, advisors, and others about the role of personality in aviation education and the efficacy of interventions targeting perceptual limitations. This integrated approach aims to enhance aviation training by addressing both individual differences and perceptual challenges encountered in real-world aviation settings.
Presentation format
Poster
Aviation Psychology: Cognition and Personality
This study has two main objectives. The first is to measure the personality traits of aviation students at EKU. Recent research indicates the existence of a distinct "pilot personality profile," characterized by heightened emotional stability and conscientiousness compared to the general population. The current study will evaluate aviation students at EKU and see how they compare to that specific profile. The second objective is to evaluate aviation students' confidence in their visual abilities during flight and to see whether certain interventions can help them better calibrate their confidence with their actual abilities. Awareness of cognitive limitations is vital for pilots as failure to recognize them can lead to catastrophic consequences. Results will be analyzed to determine the relationship between personality traits, aviation outcomes, and perceptions of visual awareness. Findings from this study could inform aviation instructors, advisors, and others about the role of personality in aviation education and the efficacy of interventions targeting perceptual limitations. This integrated approach aims to enhance aviation training by addressing both individual differences and perceptual challenges encountered in real-world aviation settings.
