title: Tolerance for error and computational estimation ability.
abstract: Previous investigators have suggested that the personality variable tolerance for error is related to success in computational estimation. However, this suggestion has not been tested directly. This study examined the relationship between performance on a computational estimation test and scores on the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, a measure of the Big Five personality traits, including Openness, an index of tolerance for ambiguity. Other variables included SAT-I Verbal and Mathematics scores and self-rated mathematics ability. Participants were 65 college students. There was no significant relationship between the tolerance variable and computational estimation performance. There was a modest negative relationship between Agreeableness and estimation performance. The skepticism associated with the negative pole of the Agreeableness dimension may be important to pursue in further understanding of estimation ability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Scranton, PA 18510, USA. Thomas.Hogan@Scranton.edu
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Hogan
authors.forename: Laurie A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Wyckoff
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krebs
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001076:Aptitude; D001077:Aptitude Tests; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011340:Problem Solving; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology