Mental imagery testing for personnel selection, training, and HCI applications

Abstract

This theoretical paper advocates for research to assess whether tests of mental imagery may be used as reliable and valid predictors to inform the design of human-computer interactions suited to individual differences, and industrial-organizational psychology applications including personnel selection and customized training regimens. Mental imagery includes multisensory, non-sensory spatial, and motor rehearsal forms, and has been correlated with emotional reactivity and performance on laboratory tasks such as memory recognition and recall. We focus on air traffic control and aircraft pilot roles, as cognitive testing has been pioneered in these high-consequence professions, with resulting cultural and institutional support for the use of testing to guide personnel development decisions. Mental imagery testing may also offer benefits in the lifelong career pipeline for STEM, creative, and problem-solving work roles more broadly.