Differential Psychology

Diurnal locus as a predictor of daytime optimum and decline in medical staff performance (Суточный локус как предиктор дневного оптимума/спада в работе медицинского персонала

by Sergei Shchebetenko

Shchebetenko, S.A., & Semyonova, P.I. (2011). Diurnal locus as a predictor of daytime optimum and decline in medical staff performance. Psychology. Journal of the Higher School of Economics, 8, 130-138. (in Russian).

The possibility of predicting performance rise/decline among medical staff during their working shift is shown in the... more The possibility of predicting performance rise/decline among medical staff during their working shift is shown in the article. Theoretical backgrounds are briefly discussed. 189 medical staff members in Perm, Russia participated in the study. A self-report 6-item Diurnal Locus Scale was invented exhibiting an acceptable internal consistency as well as its construct (CFA), discriminant (regarding Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale), and predictive validity. Diurnal locus did not correlate with participants’ gender, t(187)<1, professional status (doctor vs. paramedical personnel), t(187)=1.29, p=.2, participants’ age, r=-.05, and general internality, r=.06. Meanwhile, Diurnal Locus correlated moderately with professional internality, r=.18, p=.013, such that the higher professional internality is, more morning-oriented locus is. Of importance, diurnal locus highly significantly predicted the assessment by managers of participants performance rise/decline during their working shift, r=.52, p<.001. Finally, diurnal locus fully mediated the positive correlation between professional internal locus of control and morning performance increase/evening performance decrease, Sobel’s test, Z=.2.42, p=.03. The results and limitations are further discussed in the article.

Development and validation of a short version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (SANB-5) [Konstruktion und Validierung einer Kurzform der Skala Angst vor negativer Bewertung (SANB-5)]

by Christoph J. Kemper

Kemper, C. J., Lutz, J. & Neuser, J. (2011). Konstruktion und Validierung einer Kurzform der Skala Angst vor negativer Bewertung (SANB-5). Manuskript angenommen zur Publikation.

Fear of negative evaluation is a personality trait denoting the tendency to dread being evaluated unfavorably by... more Fear of negative evaluation is a personality trait denoting the tendency to dread being evaluated unfavorably by others. In German-speaking countries, fear of negative evaluation is usually measured by a German adaptation (SANB) of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE, Watson & Friend, 1969). The present research describes the construction and validation of a 5-item short version (SANB-5) of the German adaptation. Clinical and non-clinical samples were used (overall N = 2929). Internal consistencies of Alpha > .84 were achieved. In all samples an onefactorial model adequately fitted the data. In addition, measurement (scalar) invariance was supported concerning presentation mode of the items (paper-and-pencil vs. online). Furthermore, differential correlations with the Big Five personality factors, anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and depressive symptoms are reported. Despite considerable reductions of the original item set by 75%, no substantial decrease in reliability or construct validity was observed.

Construct validity of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) in clinical samples.

by Christoph J. Kemper

Kemper, C. J., Lutz, J., Bähr, T., Rüddel, H., & Hock, M. (2011). Construct validity of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) in clinical samples. Manuscript accepted for publication in "Assessment".

Using two clinical samples of patients, the presented studies examined the construct validity of the recently revised... more Using two clinical samples of patients, the presented studies examined the construct validity of the recently revised Anxiety Sensitivity Index 3 (ASI-3). Confirmatory factor analyses established a clear three-factor structure that corresponds to the postulated subdivision of the construct into correlated somatic, social, and cognitive components. Participants with different primary clinical diagnoses differed from each other on the ASI-3 subscales in theoretically meaningful ways. Specifically, the ASI-3 successfully discriminated patients with anxiety disorders from patients with non-anxiety disorders. Moreover, patients with panic disorder or agoraphobia manifested more somatic concerns than did patients with other anxiety disorders and patients with non-anxiety disorders. Finally, correlations of the ASI-3 scales with other measures of clinical symptoms and negative affect substantiated convergent and discriminant validity. Substantial positive correlations were found between the ASI-3 Somatic Concerns and body vigilance; between Social Concerns and fear of negative evaluation and socially inhibited behavior; and between Cognitive Concerns and depression symptoms, anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and subjective complaints. Moreover, Social Concerns correlated negatively with dominant and intrusive behavior. Results are discussed with respect to the contribution of the ASI-3 to the assessment of anxiety-related disorders.

Individual differences in interrogative suggestibility: life adversity and field dependence

by Kim Drake

Kim Drake & Ray Bull (2011): Individual differences in interrogative
suggestibility: life adversity and field dependence, Psychology, Crime & Law, 17, 677-687. DOI:10.1080/10683160903511967.

Since the turn of the century much research has explored the concept of interrogative suggestibility, with recent... more Since the turn of the century much research has explored the concept of interrogative suggestibility, with recent research highlighting a sizeable link between the reported experience of negative life events (NLEs) and performanceon the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 1 (GSS1). The present study sought to
reinvestigate the previously found novel relationship, as well as explore the role of field dependence as a possible coping mechanism implemented during interview by such vulnerable interviewees. As expected, highly significant correlations
between NLEs and the suggestibility components of the GSS emerged. Field dependence, however, failed to correlate significantly with either NLE or GSS scores. Nonetheless, some additional findings relating to age, NLEs, and shift scores on the GSS were noted, which may help further our understanding of the
NLE to interrogative suggestibility relationship. A new group of vulnerable interviewees, who are as yet unrecognized by the police or courts, has also been identified.

Interrogative suggestibility, self esteem and the influence of negative life events

by Kim Drake

This paper is one of the most highly cited papers contributing the 2010 impact factor increase

Further insights into the relationship between the experience of life adversity and interrogative suggestibility.

by Kim Drake

Drake, K. E. (in press). Further insights into the relationship between the experience of life adversity and interrogative suggestibility. Personality and Individual Differences. DOI:10.1016/j.paid.2011.08.017

Research over the past few years has uncovered a consistent link between the reporting of intense negative life events... more Research over the past few years has uncovered a consistent link between the reporting of intense negative life events and interrogative suggestibility on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS). This study (N = 130) now investigates the functional form of this relationship. Findings show that a linear regression model provides the most acceptable fit to the observed values for yield 1, yield 2, shift and total suggestibility scores. However, results also show the presence of non linear, quadratic, aspects to the relationship between the experience of life adversity and yield 1 scores. Up until now GSS scores were thought to increase linearly with level of adversity experienced: this study provides some evidence that, for the yield 1 subscale of the GSS, this may not be the case – high levels of adversity may not necessarily lead to an increased risk of accepting misleading information during questioning as once presumed.

Why might innocents make false confessions?

by Kim Drake

Drake, K. E. (2011). Why might innocents make false confessions? The Psychologist, 24, 2-5.

Since the overturning of the
Guildford Four and Birmingham Six
convictions, in 1989 and 1991more Since the overturning of the
Guildford Four and Birmingham Six
convictions, in 1989 and 1991
respectively, much research has
been conducted into interview
techniques and the causes of false
confessions.
In 2008 evidence emerged of a
link between the experience of life
adversity and interrogative
suggestibility. This work opened
the door to the notion that
psychological vulnerabilities during
police questioning may sometimes
stem from characteristics
reinforced through mere exposure
to negative environmental
influences. This article presents
this new evidence and offers insight
into why some suspects, who do not
appear to be vulnerable, end up
with an increased risk of making
false confessions during police
interview.

Agentic extraversion as a predictor of effort-related cardiovascular response

by Christoph J. Kemper

Kemper, C. J., Leue, A., Wacker, J., Chavanon, M.-L., Hennighausen, E., & Stemmler, G. (2008). Agentic extraversion as a predictor of effort-related cardiovascular response. Biological Psychology 78(2), 191-199.

The present study examined an extraversion-based extension of the integrative model of cardiovascular effort... more The present study examined an extraversion-based extension of the integrative model of cardiovascular effort regulation by Wright and Kirby [Wright, R.A., Kirby, L.D., 2001. Effort determination of cardiovascular response: an integrative analysis with applications in social psychology. In: Zanna, M.P. (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Academic Press, San Diego, CA, pp. 255–307.]. This model explains cardiovascular effort reactivity in terms of task difficulty, ability appraisal, and success importance. Aggregate measures of cardiovascular variables (alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, and cholinergic activation components) were used to measure extraversion-based differences in effort. Subjects performed a sequential letter task (n-back verbal working memory task) with four levels of difficulty. Agentic extraverts (n = 10) appraised their ability and happiness as significantly higher than introverts (n = 10). Introverts showed the expected shark-fin shaped pattern of effort-related cardiovascular reactivity for the alpha-adrenergic and cholinergic activation components. Effort decreased after the moderately difficult 2-back task. Results provide first evidence for an extraversion-based extension of the model and are discussed with regard to mood and resource allocation as possible mechanisms.

Psychometric properties of the German version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index 3 [Überprüfung der psychometrischen Qualität der deutschen Version des Angstsensitivitätsindex-3]

by Christoph J. Kemper

Kemper, C. J., Ziegler, M., & Taylor, S. (2009). Überprüfung der psychometrischen Qualität der deutschen Version des Angstsensitivitätsindex-3. Diagnostica, 55(4), 223-233.

Anxiety sensitivity is assumed to play a prominent role in the etiology of anxiety disorders. Moreover, the construct... more Anxiety sensitivity is assumed to play a prominent role in the etiology of anxiety disorders. Moreover, the construct enjoys a widespread interest with practitioners and researchers. However, there are no recent German language assessment instruments with a robust factorial structure. Consequently, the present study provides a German translation of the anxiety Sensitivity Index 3 (Taylor et al., 2007) and tests its psychometric properties. All in all a sample consisting of N = 5477 participants from three countries was analyzed. The results provide evidence for sufficient reliability, factorial validity as well as construct validity. Additionally, measurement invariance compared with the English language original could be substantiated. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed

Comparing indirect methods of digit ratio (2D:4D) measurement.

by Christoph J. Kemper

Kemper, C. J., & Schwerdtfeger, A. (2009). Comparing indirect methods of digit ratio (2D:4D) measurement. American Journal of Human Biology, 21(2), 188-191.

The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth finger (2D:4D) has been proposed to index prenatal exposure to... more The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth finger (2D:4D) has been proposed to index prenatal exposure to androgens. Different methods have been utilized to measure digit ratio, however, their measurement precision and economy have not been systematically compared yet. Using different indirect methods (plastic ruler, caliper, computer software), three independent raters measured finger lengths of 60 participants. Generally, measurement precision (intraclass correlation coefficient, technical error of measurement, and relative technical error of measurement) was acceptable for each method. However, precision estimates were highest for the computer software, indicating excellent measurement precision. Estimates for the caliper method were somewhat lower followed by ruler which had the lowest precision. On the contrary, the software-based measurements took somewhat longer to complete than the other methods. Nonetheless, we would favor the use of these tools in digit ratio research because of their relative superior reliability which could be crucial when associations with other variables are expected to be low to moderate or sample size is limited. Software offers several promising opportunities that may contribute to an accurate identification of the proximal finger crease (e.g., zooming, adjusting contrast, etc.).

Measurement equivalence of the Big Five: Shedding further light on potential causes of the educational bias

by Christoph J. Kemper

Rammstedt, B., & Kemper, C. J. (2011). Measurement equivalence of the Big Five: Shedding further light on potential causes of the educational bias. Journal of Research in Personality, 45, 121-125.

Rammstedt, Goldberg, and Borg (2010) demonstrated that the Big Five factor structure is sensitive to educational bias... more Rammstedt, Goldberg, and Borg (2010) demonstrated that the Big Five factor structure is sensitive to educational bias and that this bias seems to be due to a more pronounced tendency for acquiescent responding among less well-educated respondents. The present follow-up study investigated whether using an interview assessment mode in which the item presentation is standardized and thus differences in reading ability are controlled for reduces the bias in the factorial structures. Results based on a large and heterogeneous sample clearly contradict this assumption: The findings unambiguously replicate those reported by Rammstedt et al. in that lower educated respondents have a higher tendency for acquiescent responding and a higher variation in that tendency which directly affects the factor structure of the Big Five measure

The psychology of interrogative suggestibility: a vulnerability during interview

by Kim Drake

Drake, K. E. (2010); published in PAID; 49; 683-688

This study uses structural equation modelling to investigate the psychological mechanism underpinning interrogative... more This study uses structural equation modelling to investigate the psychological mechanism underpinning interrogative suggestibility on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS). It considers the relationship between neuroticism (vulnerability especially) and compliance within the Five-Factor personality model,fearful avoidant attachment (FAA), the experience of intense negative life events (iNLE) and interrogative suggestibility. Each participant completed the GSS 1, the Life Events Questionnaire, the Relationship Scale Questionnaire, and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. Findings show that: (i) vulnerability and FAA correlate; FAA patterns indirectly affect misinformation acceptance both in the absence of pressure (Yield 1) and in response to pressure (Yield 2) through iNLE. (ii) FAA patterns and compliance indirectly affect sensitivity to interrogative pressure (Shift scores) through iNLE. An endogenous tendency towards distress, FAA, and compliant tendencies (with respect to Shift scores) may be the basis of individual differencesin interrogative suggestibility. This could manifest as false statements and inconsistencies inanswer during questioning.

Interrogative suggestibility: life adversity, neuroticism and compliance

by Kim Drake

Drake, K. E. (2010a). Interrogative suggestibility: life adversity, neuroticism and compliance. Personality and Individual Differences, 48, 493-498. (doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2009.11.030)

This study investigates the relationship between the number and intensity of negative life events experienced (nNLE... more This study investigates the relationship between the number and intensity of negative life events experienced (nNLE and iNLE respectively), neuroticism (N), compliance (C), and interrogative suggestibility on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 1 (GSS 1). Participants (N = 127) completed the GSS1, the Life Events
Questionnaire, and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. Results show that nNLE correlates significantly with both Yield 1 and Yield 2. Blended models including iNLE and N as independent variables, C as the mediator, and GSS scores as dependent variables provide the most acceptable accounts of GSS scores. The models demonstrate that: (i) the effects of iNLE, N and C on Yield 1 are not statistically significant,
(ii) iNLE (but not N or C) exerts a significant and positive direct effect on Yield 2, and (iii) iNLE, N and C exert significant and positive direct effects on shift scores. Findings suggest that answer-shifting on the GSS may result from a negative mindset within interviewees, a desire to alleviate distress, and from
compliant tendencies in response to feelings of uncertainty and expectations of success. They further imply that false confessions, in interviewees reporting iNLEs, could also result from compliance with interviewer-pressure or negative feedback during questioning.