scholarly journals Genetic Covariation Among Facets of Openness to Experience and General Cognitive Ability

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Wainwright ◽  
Margaret J. Wright ◽  
Michelle Luciano ◽  
Gina M. Geffen ◽  
Nicholas G. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Genetic Factor ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Inspection Time ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General Factor ◽  
General Cognitive Ability ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Sibling Pairs

AbstractGenetic and environmental sources of covariation among cognitive measures of verbal IQ, performance IQ (PIQ), academic achievement, 2-choice reaction time (CRT), inspection time (IT) and the 6 Openness facets of the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) were examined. The number of twin and twin–sibling pairs ranged from 432 (182 MZ, 350 DZ/sibling) to 1023 (273 MZ, 750 DZ/sibling) for cognitive measures, and between 432 (90 MZ, 342 DZ/sibling) — 437 (91 MZ, 346 DZ/sibling) for Openness facets. Structural equation modeling best supported a model with a 3-factor additive genetic structure. A genetic general factor subsumed the 5 cognitive measures and 5 of the 6 Openness facets (Actions did not load significantly). A second additive genetic factor incorporated the 6 Openness facets, and a third additive genetic factor incorporated the 5 cognitive measures. Specific additive and dominance genetic effects were also evident, as were shared common and shared unique environmental influences, and specific unique environmental effects. The Openness facets of Ideas and Values evidenced the strongest phenotypic correlations with cognitive indices, particularly verbal measures. The genetic correlations among Openness facets and cognitive measures ranged from −.06 to .79. Results were interpreted as suggesting that Openness is related to general cognitive ability (g) through a genetic mechanism and thatgengenders a minor but discernable disposition towards Openness for the majority of facets.

Relative Roles of Cognitive Ability and Practical Intelligence in the Prediction of Success

2001 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 931-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon E. Taub ◽  
B. Grant Hayes ◽  
Walter R. Cunningham ◽  
Stephen A. Sivo
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General Factor ◽  
General Cognitive Ability ◽  
Practical Intelligence ◽  
Academic Psychology ◽  
Predictor Of Success ◽  
The Relationship

Initial investigations into the construct of practical intelligence have identified a new general factor of practical intelligence ( gp), which is believed to be independent of general cognitive ability. This construct, gp, is also believed to be a better predictor of success than cognitive ability, personality, or any combination of variables independent of gp. The existence of this construct and its independence from Spearman's g is, however, under debate. The purpose of the present study is to investigate both the relationship between gp and g and the relative roles of practical intelligence and cognitive ability in the prediction of success. The participants included 197 college students. Each completed both the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery and Sternberg and Wagner's measure of practical intelligence in academic psychology. The results of structural equation modeling support Sternberg and Wagner's assertion that practical intelligence and general cognitive ability are relatively independent constructs. Results of regression analysis, however, do not support their contention that practical intelligence is related to success after controlling for general cognitive ability. Implications of these results for research and theory on practical intelligence are discussed.

Attention and Intelligence

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas R. Burns ◽  
Ted Nettelbeck ◽  
Jason McPherson
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General Factor

Carroll (1993 ) found few factor-analytic studies that addressed attentional abilities. We reviewed and reanalyzed some of these studies and concluded that an exploratory approach to the study of the relationships between tests of attention and cognitive abilities was warranted. We sampled N = 147 adults from the general community and administered 17 tests of attention, including well-known neuropsychological tests along with tests drawn from the differential and experimental literatures on attention. We also administered 14 tests of cognitive ability designed to measure constructs described in Carroll’s taxonomy of intelligence, including a higher-order general ability factor. Regression of a general factor from the abilities battery onto a general factor from the attentional battery showed these two latent variables to be near identical (β = .98). Exploratory structural equation modeling, which allowed a model wherein the abilities part of the model was a confirmatory measurement model but the attention variables were modeled by three rotated exploratory factors, clarified this outcome. There were two sustained attention factors and one working-memory capacity factor with differential relationships with the latent abilities variables and with age. Results are discussed in the context of the network of processes that underlies a description of general cognitive ability at the psychological level, which includes mental speed, working memory, and sustained attention.

Assessing Music Expertise

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 406-421
Author(s):  
Ziyong Lin ◽  
André Werner ◽  
Ulman Lindenberger ◽  
Andreas M. Brandmaier ◽  
Elisabeth Wenger
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General Factor ◽  
General Music ◽  
Professional Musicians ◽  
Unidimensional Model ◽  
Amateur Musicians

We introduce the Berlin Gehoerbildung Scale (BGS), a multidimensional assessment of music expertise in amateur musicians and music professionals. The BGS is informed by music theory and uses a variety of testing methods in the ear-training tradition, with items covering four different dimensions of music expertise: (1) intervals and scales, (2) dictation, (3) chords and cadences, and (4) complex listening. We validated the test in a sample of amateur musicians, aspiring professional musicians, and students attending a highly competitive music conservatory (n = 59). Using structural equation modeling, we compared two factor models: a unidimensional model postulating a single factor of music expertise; and a hierarchical model, according to which four first-order subscale factors load on a second-order factor of general music expertise. The hierarchical model showed better fit to the data than the unidimensional model, indicating that the four subscales capture reliable variance above and beyond the general factor of music expertise. There were reliable group differences on both the second-order general factor and the four subscales, with music students outperforming aspiring professionals and amateur musicians. We conclude that the BGS is an adequate measurement instrument for assessing individual differences in music expertise, especially at high levels of expertise.

scholarly journals Variation and Heritability in Hair Diameter and Curvature in an Australian Twin Sample

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Y. W. Ho ◽  
Mark Brims ◽  
Dennis McNevin ◽  
Timothy D. Spector ◽  
Nicholas G. Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Fiber Diameter ◽  
Scalp Hair ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Sex Limitation ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Hair Diameter

Hair diameter and curvature are two characteristics of human scalp hair used in forensic contexts. While previous data show that subjective categorization of hair curvature is highly heritable, the heritability of objectively measured curvature and diameter, and variability of hair characteristics within each individual have not yet been studied. The present study measured hair diameter and curvature using an optical fiber diameter analyzer in a sample of 2,332 twins and siblings. Heritability was estimated using maximum likelihood structural equation modeling. Results show sex differences in the magnitude of genetic influence for mean diameter and curvature, with the vast majority of the variance accounted for by genetic effects in males (diameter = 86%, curvature = 53%) and females (diameter = 77%, curvature = 61%). The consistency of diameter (variance within an individual) was also highly heritable, but did not show sex limitation, with 68% of the variance accounted for by genetic factors. Moderate phenotypic correlations were seen between diameter and consistency (r = 0.3) but there was little correlation between diameter and curvature (r = -0.13). A bivariate Cholesky analysis was used to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations between hair diameter and consistency, yielding genetic correlations of rgF = 0.27 for females and rgM = 0.25 for males.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adiponectin, Leptin, and BMI Among Adolescents in Taiwan: A Multivariate Twin/Sibling Analysis

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 495-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pi-Hua Liu ◽  
Yi-Der Jiang ◽  
Wei J. Chen ◽  
Ching-Chung Chang ◽  
Tso-Ching Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Sibling Pairs ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
Intraclass Correlations ◽  
Mz Twins

AbstractCirculating levels of leptin and adiponectin are closely associated with obesity. However, it is not known whether there are common shared genes or environment exerting influences on the levels of leptin, adiponectin, and BMI. We aimed to assess the relative contribution of genes and environment to adiponectin, leptin, and BMI individually as well as simultaneously to the three measures. Our subjects included a total of 228 twin/sibling pairs aged 12 to 18 (130 monozygotic twins, 68 dizygotic twins and 30 sibling pairs) were recruited from the middle schools. Multivariate analyses were applied to twin/sibling data using structural equation modeling. The results showed that intraclass correlations for adiponectin, leptin and BMI were higher in the MZ twins than those in the DZ/SP group. The relative contribution of genes to adiponectin (39%) was comparable to those of shared environment (40%). In contrast, leptin and BMI were influenced mostly by genes (74% and 89%, respectively). The multivariate genetic analyses showed that a latent factor underlying the three measures was identified, with BMI being equivalent to this latent factor. The BMI-dependent genetic factor explains only 15% and 34% of variation of adiponectin and leptin, respectively. These data indicate a differential contribution of genetic factors for the variation of adiponectin, leptin and BMI. More importantly, only a small portion of the genetic influences on adiponectin and leptin was attributed to BMI. Our findings provided more insight into the complex regulation of adiponectin and leptin in obesity.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Financial Literacy and Financial Behaviour of Investors in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-90
Author(s):  
Muhammad Junaid Khan ◽  
Dr. Faheem Aslam ◽  
Syed Nisar-Ul-Mulk
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Financial Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Financial Socialization ◽  
The Impact

The main purpose of our study is to find out the impact of financial socialization, cognitive ability, and self-efficacy on financial literacy and financial behavior of investors in Pakistan. This study has used a non-probability convenience-based sampling technique for collecting the data. A total of 429 individual investors were analyzed with the help of structural equation modeling (SEM) through Smart PLS. The results of our research study suggested that the participation of female investors as compare to male investors is very low. The main results of the study showed that cognitive ability and self-efficacy have a significantly positive impact on financial literacy, but an insignificant impact of these two variables on financial behavior was found. Findings also suggested that the influence of financial socialization on financial literacy is insignificant, while financial behavior is positively influenced by financial socialization and financial literacy. In mediating analysis cognitive ability and self-efficacy have positively affected financial behavior, while financial socialization has an insignificant effect on financial behavior through financial literacy. This research study provides important implications for researchers and other policymakers. Policymakers can formulate policies regarding trainings to improve the financial literacy of investors. Researcher can further investigate these variables for other segments of the society.

scholarly journals The Impact of Situational Test Anxiety on Retest Effects in Cognitive Ability Testing: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Jendryczko ◽  
Jana Scharfen ◽  
Heinz Holling
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Measurement Bias ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Situational Test

When a cognitive ability is assessed repeatedly, test scores and ability estimates are often observed to increase across test sessions. This phenomenon is known as the retest (or practice) effect. One explanation for retest effects is that situational test anxiety interferes with a testee’s performance during earlier test sessions, thereby creating systematic measurement bias on the test items (interference hypothesis). Yet, the influence of anxiety diminishes with test repetitions. This explanation is controversial, since the presence of measurement bias during earlier measurement occasions cannot always be confirmed. It is argued that people from the lower end of the ability spectrum become aware of their deficits in test situations and therefore report higher anxiety (deficit hypothesis). In 2014, a structural equation model was proposed that specifically allows the comparison of these two hypotheses with regard to explanatory power for the negative anxiety–ability correlation found in cross-sectional assessments. We extended this model for usage in longitudinal studies to investigate the impact of test anxiety on test performance and on retest effects. A latent neighbor-change growth curve was implemented into the model that enables an estimation of retest effects between all pairs of successive test sessions. Systematic restrictions on model parameters allow testing the hypothetical reduction in anxiety interference over the test sessions, which can be compared to retest effect sizes. In an empirical study with seven measurement occasions, we found that a substantial reduction in interference upon the second test session was associated with the largest retest effect in a figural matrices test, which served as a proxy measure for general intelligence. However, smaller retest effects occurred up to the fourth test administration, whereas evidence for anxiety-induced measurement bias was only produced for the first two test sessions. Anxiety and ability were not negatively correlated at any time when the interference effects were controlled for. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Neuroticism and Inflammatory Markers: A Twin Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur A. Sas ◽  
Frühling V. Rijsdijk ◽  
Johan Ormel ◽  
Harold Snieder ◽  
Harriëtte Riese
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Important Marker

Introduction: Neuroticism is an important marker of vulnerability for both mental and physical disorders. Its link with multiple etiological pathways has been studied before. Inflammatory markers have been demonstrated to predict similar mental and physical disorders as neuroticism. However, currently no study has focused on the shared genetic background of neuroticism and inflammatory markers. In the present study we will focus on the phenotypic and genetic relationship between neuroticism and three commonly used inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and Immunoglobulin-G (IgG). Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 125 Dutch female twin pairs. For each participant, four different neuroticism scores were available to calculate a neuroticism composite score that was used in the statistical analyses. Blood samples for inflammatory marker determination were taken after an overnight fast. Heritabilities, phenotypic and genetic correlations were estimated using bivariate structural equation modeling. Results: Heritabilities are fair for neuroticism (0.55), CRP (0.52) and fibrinogen (0.67) and moderate for IgG (0.43). No significant phenotypic or genetic correlations were found between neuroticism and the inflammatory markers. Interaction models yielded no moderation of the genetic and environmental pathways in the regulation of inflammatory markers by neuroticism. Conclusion: Substantial heritabilities were observed for all variables. No evidence was found for significant shared (or moderation of) genetic or environmental pathways underlying neuroticism and inflammatory status.

Domain-Specificity of Need for Cognition Among High School Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Keller ◽  
Anja Strobel ◽  
Romain Martin ◽  
Franzis Preckel
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Need For Cognition ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Specific Factors

Abstract. Need for Cognition (NFC) is increasingly investigated in educational research. In contrast to other noncognitive constructs in this area, such as academic self-concept and interest, NFC has consistently been conceptualized as domain-general. We employed structural equation modeling to address the question of whether NFC can be meaningfully and gainfully conceptualized as domain-specific. To this end, we developed a domain-specific 20-item NFC scale with parallel items for Science, Mathematics, German, and French. Additionally, domain-general NFC was assessed with five domain-general items. Using a cross-sectional sample of more than 4,500 Luxembourgish 9th graders, we found that a nested-factor model incorporating both a general factor and domain-specific factors better accounted for the data than a single-factor or a correlated-factor model. However, the influence of the general factor was markedly stronger than in corresponding models for academic self-concept and interest. When controlling for the domain-specific factors, only Mathematics achievement was significantly predicted by the domain-general factor, while all achievement measures (Mathematics, French, and German) were predicted by the corresponding domain-specific factor. The nested domain-specific NFC factors were clearly empirically distinguishable from first-order domain-specific interest factors.

Modeling the Structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure: Conceptual, Empirical, and Analytic Considerations

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Somma ◽  
Serena Borroni ◽  
Laura E. Drislane ◽  
Christopher J. Patrick ◽  
Andrea Fossati
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Three Factor

This study sought to characterize the factor structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) using data from a sample of 1,082 community-dwelling Italian adults. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to compare the fit of a bifactor model for each TriPM scale, in which specific-content factors were specified along with a general factor, with the fit of a single, general-factor model. Robust weighted least square (WLSMV) ESEM supported a bifactor latent structure of the TriPM items for all individual scales. When we jointly factor analyzed the 58 TriPM items, a WLSMV ESEM three-factor structure showed adequate fit; the three ESEM factors were akin to TriPM Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition theoretical dimensions, respectively, and could be effectively replicated across gender subgroups. Our findings support the three-factor structure of TriPM items, at least in Italian community-dwelling adults, and provide further evidence for the construct validity of the TriPM.

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