A study of the relationship between certain personality variables and success in underwater demolition team training

This study was an attempt to differentiate successful from unsuccessful candidates in Underwater Demolition Team training according to their responses on the Interpersonal Check List. Interpersonal Check List data of 126 subjects were utilized. Eight hypotheses were generated based on impressions gained by the author from the literature and personal experiences. These hypotheses related to the candidate's perception of himself, his parents, and his own relationships with his parents. The sample was divided into four groups on the basis of whether they passed or failed the training and whether they were officers or enlisted men. The mean, the variance, and the sample size for each hypothesis were calculated for each group and these results were presented in tabual form. The heterogeneity of the variances did not allow the use of inferential statistics based on means. The sample was regrouped into just two groups - a pass group and a fail group. Then medians were calculated. The resulting 2x2 contingency tables were presented. Chi-square tests of significance were performed and the results reported. It was concluded that since other indicators of success in Underwater Demolition Team training have been proven to be stronger predictors, none of these measures should be recommended as additional selection criteria. However, the logic developed for searching for such variables still seamed valid. It was further concluded that the areas which seemed most promising for further research were interpersonal relationships with the father during childhood, and strength of self-concept as a distinct person.