The relation of cognitive ability and personality traits to assessment center performance

The aim of the current study was to examine cognitive ability and personali ty correlates of assessment center exercise ratings. The sample included 42 9 individuals who participated in a 2-day management development assessment center during a 5-year period. The assessment center yielded scores on 8 e xercises. Assessees also completed a measure of cognitive ability (Watson-G laser Critical Thinking Appraisal) and the California Psychological Invento ry (CPI). The CPI scales were incorporated into 4 of the Big Five personali ty factors for easier interpretation. Our hypotheses were partially support ed since ratings of exercises that were largely interpersonal in nature ten ded to correlate with interpersonal personality constructs (emotional stabi lity, extraversion, and openness to experience), and ratings of cognitive p roblem-solving exercises correlated with cognitive ability and conscientiou sness.