Contextual Adaptation of Cognitive Flexibility is driven by Task- and Item-Level Learning

Abstract Heyes argues that human metacognitive strategies (cognitive gadgets) evolved through cultural rather than genetic evolution. Although we agree that increased plasticity is the hallmark of human metacognition, we suggest cognitive malleability required the genetic accommodation of gadget-specific processes that enhanced the overall cognitive flexibility of humans.

Download Full-text

Item Bias Analysis of the Young Schema-Questionnaire for Psychopathology, Gender, and Educational Level

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000044 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 65-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Marleen M. Rijkeboer ◽

Huub van den Bergh ◽

Jan van den Bout

Keyword(s):

Educational Level ◽

Cross Validation ◽

Item Bias ◽

Response Patterns ◽

Dutch Population ◽

Bias Analysis ◽

Young Schema Questionnaire ◽

Item Functioning ◽

Item Level ◽

Schema Questionnaire

This study examines the construct validity of the Young Schema-Questionnaire at the item level in a Dutch population. Possible bias of items in relation to the presence or absence of psychopathology, gender, and educational level was analyzed, using a cross-validation design. None of the items of the YSQ exhibited differential item functioning (DIF) for gender, and only one item showed DIF for educational level. Furthermore, item bias analysis did not identify DIF for the presence or absence of psychopathology in as much as 195 of the 205 items comprising the YSQ. Ten items, however, spread over the questionnaire, were found to yield relatively inconsistent response patterns for patients and nonclinical participants.

Download Full-text

The Vienna Risk-Taking Test - Traffic

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001.28.4.198 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 198-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Andreas Hergovich ◽

Martin E. Arendasy ◽

Markus Sommer ◽

Bettina Bognar

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Personality Trait ◽

Risk Taking ◽

Personality Test ◽

Educational Levels ◽

Item Level ◽

Degree Of Risk ◽

And Gender ◽

Homeostasis Theory

Abstract. The study reports results regarding the dimensionality and construct validity of a newly developed, objective, video-based personality test that assesses the willingness to take risks in traffic situations. On the basis of the theory of risk homeostasis developed by Wilde, different traffic situations with varying degrees of objective danger were filmed. During the test the respondents are asked to indicate at which point the action that is contingent on the described situation will become too dangerous to carry out. Latencies at the item level were recorded as a measure for the subjectively accepted degree of a person's willingness to take risks in the sense of the risk homeostasis theory by Wilde. In a study on 274 people with different educational levels and gender, the unidimensionality of the test as corresponding to the latency model by Scheiblechner was investigated. The results indicate that the Vienna Risk-Taking Test - Traffic assesses a unidimensional, latent personality trait that can be interpreted as subjectively accepted degree of risk (target risk value).

Download Full-text