ABSTRACT
The previous chapter considered how performance relates to individual differences in ability. However, there is more to individual differences than ability alone. A talented individual may fail to perform effectively as a result of qualities such as laziness or distractibility, or because of temporary mood states such as fatigue and emotional agitation. Personality may influence both the style and efficiency of performance. For example, a generally impulsive person might tend to show a risky speed–accuracy tradeoff. An impulsive person might also show impaired efficiency on tasks requiring reflection and delay of response, such as solving difficult problems. Emotional reactions are also important, especially in stressful environments. Plausibly, someone who is easily upset might find it hard to maintain concentration on a task. To investigate how such characteristics relate to performance, we first require a taxonomy or classificatory scheme for distinguishing the different characteristics of interest.
