The FOUND questionnaire: identifying stable traits associated with success in remote operations-an exploratory study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Engineering Psychology

Background:

• Effective performance in mediated settings relies on stable perceptual, cognitive, and emotional traits.
• Existing assessments may not capture the specific characteristics required for remote operations.
• The FOUndatioNal trait-BaseD Characterization (FOUND) questionnaire was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the FOUND questionnaire for assessing stable traits relevant to mediated performance.
• To identify key traits associated with effective performance in remote technology fields.
• To provide a tool for tailoring interventions and training programs in mediated environments.

Main Methods:

• Item generation through interviews with remote technology professionals.
• Content validity assessment by expert panel (CVI > 0.78).
• Factorial structure validation using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in Italian participants (N=300) and remote operators (N=34).
• Convergent and known-groups validity assessed using established personality and skill-based comparisons.

Main Results:

• A 22-item FOUND questionnaire with four factors: Perception and Action, Empathic Attitude, Stress Management, and Group-Oriented Values.
• The FOUND questionnaire demonstrated independent information from personality traits.
• Higher scores in Perception and Action, Empathic Attitude, and Stress Management were observed in high procedural skill professions.
• Remote operators showed distinct profiles compared to the general population, with higher Perception and Action and Group-Oriented Values, but lower Stress Management.

Conclusions:

• The FOUND questionnaire effectively assesses perceptual, motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional traits for mediated and remote operations.
• It enables the evaluation of stable traits and attitudes in diverse contexts like robotic surgery and telemedicine.
• The FOUND questionnaire can inform personalized interventions and training to enhance effectiveness in mediated environments.