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Social desirability bias in personality testing: implications for astronaut selection
Gro M Sandal1, Dave Musson, Robert L Helmreich
1Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Norway. Gro.Sandal@psysp.uib.no
Acta Astronautica
|July 14, 2005
Summary
Social desirability (SD) can influence personality test results in astronaut and pilot candidates, potentially affecting performance assessments. Caution is advised when interpreting personality scores for applicants, as SD may negatively predict performance under stress.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Human factors in aerospace
- Occupational psychology
Background:
- Space agencies utilize personality assessments to select optimal candidates for spaceflight.
- Social desirability (SD) is a recognized concern in personality scale use for selection.
- Previous research indicates SD can impact personality test responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of social desirability (SD) on personality assessments in applicant populations.
- To examine the relationship between SD and performance in high-stress operational roles.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Compared personality scores (Personality Characteristic Inventory, NEO-FFI) between active astronauts/pilots and applicants, and correlated scores with the Marlow Crown Social Desirability Scale in managerial applicants.
- Study 2: Assessed the correlation between SD and performance (cognitive tests, self/observer ratings) in male rescue personnel applicants.
Main Results:
- SD inflated scores on certain personality scales (PCI, NEO-FFI) but effect sizes were small to moderate.
- In a high-stress context, SD negatively correlated with cognitive performance and positively with rating discrepancies.
- SD emerged as a potential negative predictor for performance under stress.
Conclusions:
- Interpretation of personality scores in applicant populations requires caution due to SD influence.
- Social desirability may negatively impact performance in demanding, high-stress operational environments.
- Further research is needed to understand the nuanced effects of SD in selection contexts.