Factors Contributing to Airport Screener Expertise

Abstract

An airport X-ray Screener Test Battery was developed to better understand how selected aspects of screeners' visual and perceptual capabilities, attentional and verbal processing, work schedule, medication use, work history, training, equipment knowledge, personal style, attitudinal characteristics, and job satisfaction are related to job performance. The Test Battery was administered to 92 X-ray screeners and analyses compared Test Battery performance with X-ray screening job performance. Analyses suggest that important factors related to X-ray screening performance include several aspects of perceptual and attentional processing; screeners' time on the job; screeners' work schedules; and their use of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements. Potential applications of the findings for improving screener performance through personnel selection, training, workforce management, and X-ray equipment design enhancements are discussed. Ongoing research is also outlined.