Further evidence on dimensionality and correlates of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire

Using data from 2379 American Navy recruits, the present study examined several issues related to interpretation and use of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), including dimensionality, relationships with actual mishaps, and the relationship to handedness. With regard to dimensionality, evidence suggests that the CFQ measures only two replicable factors, a dominant 'general cognitive failures' factor and a minor name-processing factor. The analysis of actual mishaps suggests a linkage between high CFQ scores and accidents, a finding in agreement with other research showing that many accidents result from distractibility, poor selective attention and mental error. Other results indicate that, although both CFQ scores and accident rates are elevated in left-handers, a causal linkage cannot be inferred.