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Personality characteristics and trait clusters in final stage astronaut selection
David M Musson1, Gro M Sandal, Robert L Helmreich
1Human Factors Research Project, Dept. of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, TX 78718-0187, USA. musson@mail.utexas.edu
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 17, 2004
Summary
Personality testing did not predict astronaut selection, but identified common trait clusters ("Right Stuff," "Wrong Stuff," "No Stuff") in NASA applicants. Men and women showed fewer personality differences than in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Aerospace Psychology
- Human Factors
Background:
- Investigates personality traits of NASA astronaut candidates.
- Examines potential gender differences in personality within this high-performance group.
- Tests the replication of previously identified personality clusters in astronaut applicants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if personality testing predicts selection into the NASA astronaut corps.
- To assess gender differences in personality among astronaut applicants.
- To validate established personality clusters in a high-stakes selection context.
Main Methods:
- Administered the Personal Characteristic Inventory (PCI) and a modified NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) to 259 final-stage astronaut applicants (1989-1995).
- Analyzed personality data in relation to selection outcomes and gender.
- Utilized cluster analysis to identify personality groupings.
Main Results:
- Replicated three previously identified personality clusters: "Right Stuff," "Wrong Stuff," and "No Stuff."
- Found no significant personality differences between selected astronauts and non-selected applicants.
- Observed gender differences: men scored higher on competitiveness, while women scored higher on expressivity and achievement strivings, though differences were smaller than in the general population.
Conclusions:
- The "Right Stuff," "Wrong Stuff," and "No Stuff" personality clusters are present in NASA astronaut candidates.
- Personality assessments did not predict astronaut selection outcomes.
- Gender differences in personality among astronaut candidates are less pronounced than in the general population, particularly regarding achievement motivation.