Thinking in action: Need for Cognition predicts Self-Control together with Action Orientation

in PLoS ONE (2019), 14(8),

Big-Five personality and political orientation: Results from four panel studies with representative German samples

in Journal of Research in Personality (2019)

The aim of this brief report was to replicate the meta-analytic findings concerning the relationship between Big-Five personality and political orientation reported in Sibley, Osborne, and Duckitt (2012 ... [more ▼]

The aim of this brief report was to replicate the meta-analytic findings concerning the relationship between Big-Five personality and political orientation reported in Sibley, Osborne, and Duckitt (2012) in a sample of N = 29,015 participants from four panels involving representative German samples. We replicated the expected significant correlations for Openness to Experience (r = ?0.07; 95% CI [?0.10, ?0.05]) and Conscientiousness (r = 0.06, 95% CI [0.05, 0.08]), but the effect sizes were smaller than in Sibley et al. (2012). We also found significant correlations for Agreeableness (r = ?0.04; 95% CI [?0.05, ?0.03]) and Neuroticism (r = ?0.04; 95% CI [?0.06, ?0.02]), indicating small but significant relations of additional Big-Five dimensions on political orientation. [less ▲]

Using Log-File Data to Uncover Strategy Use in Complex Problem Solving

Scientific Conference (2018, September 18)

The aim of the current project is to utilize log-file data to enhance the understanding of strategy use in Complex Problem Solving (CPS). CPS can be defined as the ability to manipulate the existing ... [more ▼]

The aim of the current project is to utilize log-file data to enhance the understanding of strategy use in Complex Problem Solving (CPS). CPS can be defined as the ability to manipulate the existing variables of a particular novel, complex, intransparent, and dynamic environment successfully in order to reach a predefined goal. In order to successfully solve a CPS task, the goal-directed application and variation of certain strategies is necessary. To uncover the systematic use of these strategies, log-files have been deemed a fruitful resource as they contain not only the final results of a computer-based CPS item, but also the individual steps undertaken while solving such a task. Recent studies using log-files have highlighted the importance of some strategies for CPS, like the varying one variable at a time (VOTAT) strategy, or of engaging in noninterfering observations (i.e., idle rounds). In addition, other strategies have also been shown to be relevant in neighboring fields of CPS. However, comprehensive studies investigating a broad repertoire of strategies applied in CPS are scarce. Hence, on the basis of existing large-scale assessment data sets, the present project set out to investigate which strategies hidden in log-files are relevant for solving a CPS task in order to gain a more thorough understanding of how CPS tasks are being approached. Preliminary findings indicate that, in addition to VOTAT and idle rounds, particularly the flexibility of switching between strategies should be taken into account. [less ▲]

Der Zusammenhang zwischen Facetten komplexer Problemlösefähigkeit, fluider Intelligenz und Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität. Eine umfassende Überprüfung der „different demands“-Hypothese

Scientific Conference (2018, September)

Introducing MaFIN. A dynamic matrices finite state automata test

Scientific Conference (2018, July)

The role of metacognition in low vs high road transfer of complex problem solving skills

Poster (2018)

Is the Correlation between Storage Capacity and Matrix Reasoning Driven by the Storage of Partial Solutions? A Pilot Study of an Experimental Approach

in Journal of Intelligence (2017), 5(2), 21

Working memory capacity (WMC) and reasoning abilities—as assessed by figural matrices tests—are substantially correlated. It is controversially discussed whether this correlation is only caused by ... [more ▼]

Working memory capacity (WMC) and reasoning abilities—as assessed by figural matrices tests—are substantially correlated. It is controversially discussed whether this correlation is only caused by controlled attention or also by storage capacity. This study aims at investigating storage of partial solutions as a possible mechanism by which storage capacity may contribute to solving figural matrices tests. For this purpose, we analyzed how an experimental manipulation of storage demands changes the pattern of correlations between WMC and performance in a matrix task. We manipulated the storage demands by applying two test formats: one providing the externalization of partial solutions and one without the possibility of externalization. Storage capacity was assessed by different types of change detection tasks. We found substantial correlations between storage capacity and matrices test performance, but they were of comparable size for both test formats. We take this as evidence that the necessity to store partial solutions is not the limiting factor which causes the association between storage capacity and matrices test. It is discussed how this approach can be used to investigate alternative mechanisms by that storage may influence performance in matrices tests. [less ▲]

Das Speichern von Zwischenlösungen. Ein potentieller Moderator für den Zusammenhang zwischen Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität und der Leistung in figuralen Matrizenaufgaben.

Scientific Conference (2015, May)

Theoretische Ansätze sehen die Anzahl der Regeln in einer Matrizenaufgabe als eine der Determinanten für die Belastung des Arbeitsgedächtnisses. Eine mögliche Ursache könnte das Speichern von Teillösungen ... [more ▼]

Theoretische Ansätze sehen die Anzahl der Regeln in einer Matrizenaufgabe als eine der Determinanten für die Belastung des Arbeitsgedächtnisses. Eine mögliche Ursache könnte das Speichern von Teillösungen bei Matrizenaufgaben mit mehreren Regeln sein. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, ob Personen mit einer hohen Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität durch das Speichern von Teillösungen bei der Lösung von Matrizenaufgaben profitieren. Hierzu wurde in einem Innerhalb-Design den Testpersonen (N=84) eine Matrizentestversion präsentiert, bei der das Arbeitsgedächtnis belastet werden sollte, indem die Teillösungen vor der Eingabe mental aufrechterhalten werden mussten. Zudem wurde eine Version präsentiert, in der Teillösungen direkt eingegeben werden konnten, was zu einer Entlastung des Arbeitsgedächtnisses führen sollte. Beide Matrizentestversionen zeigen einen moderaten Zusammenhang mit der Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität. Allerdings zeigen sich keine Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Korrelationen, was als Evidenz gewertet werden kann, dass das Speichern von Teillösungen keinen bedeutsamen Moderator für den Zusammenhang von Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität und der Leistung in einem Matrizentest darstellt. [less ▲]

Bedeutung der Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität bei der Anwendung verschiedener Lösungsstrategien in figuralen Matrizenaufgaben.

Scientific Conference (2014, September)