The accurate prediction of risky driving behaviors or possible accident and injury involvement contains several benefits as even minor... Show moreThe accurate prediction of risky driving behaviors or possible accident and injury involvement contains several benefits as even minor increases in detection may result in possible avoidance of accidents and loss of life. This study examined the relationship between both broad and narrow personality traits and risky driving behaviors and the role of the bandwidth-fidelity dilemma. Based on archival data, 680 adults from a community sample in the Pacific Northwest completed the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) and a daily behavior inventory of act frequencies. Results indicated that broad and narrow personality traits are equally predictive of risky driving behaviors, but there are some appreciable differences at the primary factor level. Previous research, implications, and limitations to this study are also discussed. M.S. in Psychology, May 2011 Show less
Making high quality decisions is central to organizations in order to remain competitive, increase productivity, quality, and/or remain... Show moreMaking high quality decisions is central to organizations in order to remain competitive, increase productivity, quality, and/or remain responsive to customers. Most often, teams are responsible for making vital decisions and decision accuracy is key to obtaining desired outcomes. This study examined the role of team personality diversity as it pertains to decision quality. Additionally, a common phenomenon known as group polarization was studied with regard to cooperative and competitive attitudes as a potential important process. Using several decision scenarios and the Lost on the Moon task, 279 individuals in teams of three (n = 93 teams) participated in a laboratory study to investigate the relationship between team personality diversity, group polarization of cooperative/competitive attitudes, and decision quality. Results indicated that team agreeableness diversity was positively related to group polarization, and team openness diversity was negatively related to decision quality. Previous research, implications, and limitations to this study are also discussed. PH.D in Psychology, May 2014 Show less
