Personality, psychological type and cognitive ability are frequently implied to be underlying causes of differences in reasoning processes, decision-making processes and general success in a job. However, there is a trend towards utilising cognitive and personality measures interchangeably in the context of selection and development, particularly as it pertains to selection based on cognitive ability and cognitive style. The general aim of this research was therefore to investigate the relationship between psychological type, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), and cognitive abilities and styles as measured by the Cognitive Process Profile (CPP). Cognitive ability is discussed under the cognitive psychology paradigm. A clarification of concepts associated with cognitive psychology is provided, and the CPP model is introduced as an integrative model encompassing aspects of cognitive ability and cognitive style. Psychological type is discussed under the analytical psychology paradigm, with a focus on personality structure, dynamics and development. This is then integrated into an overview of Jung's theory of personality types and the development of the MBTI. An empirical investigation, utilising Pairwise comparisons and Chi-square statistics was conducted. The results were then integrated to enable a better understanding of the relationship between cognition and personality. Based on this, it was concluded that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that a relationship exists between cognitive styles (as defined by the CPP) and personality (as defined by the MBTI). There were however, sufficient statistically significant findings to suggest that there is some relationship between cognitive processes / competencies and personality. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The purpose of the research was to determine whether measures of ability, personality and behaviour would significantly predict job performance of customer service agents in a South African commercial airline company. The Verbal Interpretation Test (VCC1), Numerical Reasoning Test (NP6.1), Basic Checking Test (CP7.1C), Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ32) and a competency based interview were completed by job applicants. Customer Contact Competency (CCC) scores and a Person Job Match (PJM) score were derived from the OPQ32 and ability measures to ensure job relevance during selection assessment. Job performance statistics in the form of training scores and supervisor ratings (from performance appraisals and criterion questionnaires) were obtained for the sample as criterion data. Correlations revealed statistically significant small to moderate correlations between the predictors and the criterion data / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.Com. (Industrial & Organisational Psychology)