FOUND Questionnaire: Mapping Stable Traits Critical for Success in Remote Operations

This study introduces the FOUndatioNal trait-BaseD Characterization (FOUND) questionnaire, specifically developed to assess stable characteristics of perceptual, cognitive, and emotional domains critical for effective performance in mediated settings. By submitting the questionnaire to 302 Italian individuals and performing factor analysis, four reliable latent factors were identified: Perception and Action, Empathy Attitude, Stress Management, and Conformity to Norms.Convergent validity analysis with questionnaires assessing personality and stable characteristics (Big Five Inventory-10, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15) did not yield significant correlations indicating independent information provided by the FOUND questionnaire.Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing scores between professions requiring high and low procedural skills, revealing higher scores in Perception and Action, Empathy Attitude, and Stress Management for the first group. Additionally, comparing remote operators (e.g., drone pilots) with the general population showed that remote operators scored higher in Perception and Action and Conformity to Norms but lower in Stress Management, highlighting specific trait profiles essential for remote work.The FOUND questionnaire integrates perceptual, motor, cognitive, and emotional constructs to evaluate key traits for mediated and remote operations, supporting tailored interventions and training strategies based on individual characteristics and performance needs.