Applications of Individual-Differences: Assessment of Enviromental Influences

Abstract

Enhancing assessments of environmental-effects, particularly through the capturing and use of individual-differences information, has been of continuing interest over the last two decades. Applications of individual-differences information during the phases of environmental research are reviewed with illustrations from recent research studies (re: workplace exposures to Styrene, Perchloroethylene, and Hg⁰). Utility of individual-differences information is illustrated during: (1) early phases of research when concern is on understanding past research, (2) middle phases when focus is on selecting research methodology, and (3) the final phases when attention is turned to understanding and generalization of findings. It is concluded that: Assessments of environmental influences can be made more powerful, cost-efficient and meaningful by taking advantage of individual-differences information throughout the environmental research process.