AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS EXPECTED TO AFFECT FEEDBACK SEEKING: A LONGITUDINAL FIELD STUDY

This study of 137 helicopter pilot trainees investigated individual strategies used to obtain performance feedback during two consecutive phases of their training. Individual and situational factors cited in previous research were investigated as predictors of two feedback seeking behaviors: eliciting (asking directly for feedback) and monitoring (using indirect techniques, such as observing, to gain additional feedback). Both individual and situational factors were significant predictors of feedback seeking behaviors. Feedback seeking costs and the student pilots'external propensity (an individual difference measure assessing their desire for external feedback) were found to be the most consistent predictors of feedback eliciting and monitoring, both within and across the two training phases. In addition, the results point to higher feedback eliciting when performance was rated as low. The implications of this research are discussed, especially with respect to training.     

Does attractiveness buy happiness? “It depends on where you’re from”

Abstract Previous studies document that attractiveness predicts life outcomes, including well‐being and social connectedness. This study investigates whether the attractiveness–outcomes link is especially strong in settings, such as many urban areas, that promote relationship constructions as a product of personal choice. This link may weaken in settings, such as many rural areas, that promote less voluntaristic‐independent relationship constructions. Analyses of survey data from a national representative (United States) sample supported these hypotheses. Attractiveness (operationalized as waist‐to‐hip ratio) predicted well‐being and social connectedness among urban (n = 257) but not rural (n = 330) women. Social connectedness mediated the urban–rural moderation of the attractiveness/well‐being link. Findings suggest that frequently observed attractiveness effects are the product of particular, modern social contexts that promote relationship choice.