Some lessons from aviation psychology.

Guilford presents comments and observations based upon his experience with the psychological services of the Army Air Forces. He stresses the necessity of detailed and ready knowledge of facts and principles; the psychologist should not rely upon references, etc. Also, it is important that he keep the individuals to whom he is responsible informed of his work and results, in a manner which can be understood by those who are not psychologists. Another point is that the psychologist must give more consideration to low correlations; they are practically useful when large numbers of individuals are involved. With regard to factor analysis Guilford observes that the traditional psychological categories were found inadequate to describe individuals. Through factor analysis, 27 factors were derived which were more adequate. Factoral theory and methods as used here appear to be a basic procedure in vocational psychology. As for the new factors, Guilford discusses many of them briefly. Another observation is that especial difficulty was encountered in assessing tempermental and dynamic traits which were found to be important for performance of duty and for avoidance of maladjustments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)