Protocol for Selecting Airline Passenger Baggage Screeners

摘要

This report is the second in a three-part series that describes a researchprogram to improve the selection and retention of airline passenger pre-board screener personnel. This document details the methodology used to conduct a job task analysis of the X-ray position. The job task analysis was conducted to provide guidance in the selection and development of potential predictor instruments. The task analysis appears to indicate a number of cognitive and perceptual abilities that may be related to successful target detection. Specifically, perceptual abilities encompassing the constructs of flexibility of closure, speed of closure, perceptual speed, field dependence-independence, and pattern recognition may contribute to the acquisition of relevant information while scanning X-ray images. Higher level cognitive processes involved in decision making and attentional resources encompassed by the construct of vigilance appear to be required for successful screener performance as well. These psychological qualities are important for the role they play in analyzing and attending to the relevant input. Together with the assessment of appropriate personality traits, the incorporation of perceptual and cognitive assessment instruments has the potential to establish a useful personnel selection system.