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Trait complexes of cognitive abilities and interests and their relations to realized occupation
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Abstracts / Personality and Individual Differences 60 (2014) S24–S47
ogenic’ environment. Studying the factors hypothesised to underpin behaviours associated with resistance to overconsumption may inform weight management strategies in an adverse environment. Trait (BIS11) and behavioural (response inhibition, GoStop) self control were assessed in the laboratory. Snack food consumption was measured covertly via a sham taste test. Lack of motor control was positively correlated (r = .32, p <. 05) and successful response inhibition was negatively correlated (r = .35, p <. 05) with snack food intake. Low motor control was also associated with further food intake when satiated (r = .39, p < .01). These relationships were independent of selfreported palatability and perceived reward value of the food. Motor control may be an important factor implicated in ‘mindless’ eating in an environment abundant in palatable, energy-dense snack foods. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.134
Trait complexes of cognitive abilities and interests and their relations to realized occupation J. Major, W. Johnson, I. Deary The University of Edinburgh, UK Trait complexes are combinations of interests, personality traits and intellectual abilities that relate to cognitive investment in knowledge domains, and predict educational and career choices (Ackerman, 2000). Only one study to date has related trait complexes to realized occupation, using Project TALENT (PT), a nationally-representative sample of American high school students from 1960 (Austin & Hanisch, 1990). We improved on the methods of this study by creating a factor-analytically derived model of the interests in PT, separating g from specific non-g abilities, and using latent class analysis to classify individuals according to trait complexes of occupational interests and cognitive abilities. Two non-g factors were found that represented aspects of the Verbal-Image Rotation dimension (Johnson & Bouchard, 2007). Latent class membership was used to predict realized occupational category 11 years after high school graduation in the grade 11 and 12 samples. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.135
Two dimensions of psychological country-level differences: Conservatism/liberalism and harshness/softness L. Stankov, J. Lee, F. van de Vijver University of Western Sydney, Australia We examined dimensions of noncognitive functioning based on the administration of 22 measures of personality, social attitudes, values, and social norms in 35 countries (Ns ranging from 9 to 430; Total N = 1895). Four essentially identical factors were found at individual and country level: Personality/Social Attitudes; Values; Social Norms, and Conservatism. The four factors were correlated at country level, yielding a second-order Conservatism/Liberalism (combining Conservatism and Values) and a Harshness/Softness factor (combining Personality/Social Attitudes and Norms). Broad Conservatism/Liberalism is akin to Inglehart’s (1997) contrast between survival and well-being; it was negatively correlated with countries’ affluence, educational achievement indicators, and measures of mass communication and freedom. The Harshness/Softness factor contrasts countries that are tough and harsh/unforgiving and countries that are warm and tolerant; it is related to Gelfand and 43 authors’ (2011) tightness/looseness dimension. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.136
Using person-centred mixture models to better understand the Actual-Ideal Discrepancy model L.F. Scalas, A.J.S. Morin, H.W. Marsh Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy This study is a substantive methodological synergy in which we used person-centred mixture modelling to investigate whether the Actual-Ideal Discrepancy (AID) model’s predictions might be verified in specific subgroups of participants (N = 1693) in order to explain apparent research discrepancies in previous variable-centred studies. Mixture regression models identified three profiles, and one of them (25.7%) clearly supported the predicted negative effect of Ideal Appearance on Physical Self-Concept (PSC), confirming our hypothesis. Our results suggest that the relationships between these constructs might be more complex than anticipated, with a weighting role of Ideal standards and an articulated pattern of direct and indirect relations. For example, the effect of Actual Appearance on PSC and Global Self-Esteem (GSE) increases as ideal standards increase, and the negative effects of ideal standards on PSC are only apparent when these standards are lower. Overall, these results also explain the elusive nature of the AID model. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.137
Validity of the selection procedure for air traffic controllers D. Keye, K. Conzelmann, D. Grasshoff, H. Eißfeldt, A. Heintz, P. Maschke DLR German Aerospace Center, Germany The job of an air traffic controller (ATCO) is highly specific. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducts a multi-stage selection procedure for ATCO applicants of the German Air Navigation Service Provider (DFS). A validation study based on 476 ab initio ATCO trainees was conducted. Predictors included cognitive ability tests, low-fidelity ATC simulations, team exercises, English language tests, and interview ratings. These were related to criteria such as performance in theoretical and practical examinations, performance ratings of instructors, exam repetition, and training success. The training success rate of 81% was satisfactory and best predicted by cognitive ability tests and the interview. Examination performance was best predicted by cognitive ability complimented by simulation tests, and the interview. Early stages of training were better predicted compared to later ones. The prediction of exam repetitions included cognitive ability tests and ATC simulations. Ratings of instructors were predicted by tests from almost all selection tests. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.138
Visuospatial training is better than working memory training for improving Gf: Evidence from videogames M.A. Quiroga, F.J. Román, S. Escorial, J. Privado, R. Colom Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain Short-term cognitive training programs are now capturing a great interest. These programs are based on different perspectives (adaptive n back, working memory, visuospatial programs, etc.). Here we compare working memory (WM) and visuospatial (VIS) training programs based on two video games for video-console: WM training was based on ’Cages’ whereas VIS training relied on ’Train’. Both games are from Big Brain Academy? for Nintendo Wii. Twenty-four females completed a set of cognitive measures (fluid intelligence, spatial intelligence, and spatial working memory), group administered, before and after video games training across 6 sessions. This
Abstracts / Personality and Individual Differences 60 (2014) S24–S47
ogenic’ environment. Studying the factors hypothesised to underpin behaviours associated with resistance to overconsumption may inform weight management strategies in an adverse environment. Trait (BIS11) and behavioural (response inhibition, GoStop) self control were assessed in the laboratory. Snack food consumption was measured covertly via a sham taste test. Lack of motor control was positively correlated (r = .32, p <. 05) and successful response inhibition was negatively correlated (r = .35, p <. 05) with snack food intake. Low motor control was also associated with further food intake when satiated (r = .39, p < .01). These relationships were independent of selfreported palatability and perceived reward value of the food. Motor control may be an important factor implicated in ‘mindless’ eating in an environment abundant in palatable, energy-dense snack foods. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.134
Trait complexes of cognitive abilities and interests and their relations to realized occupation J. Major, W. Johnson, I. Deary The University of Edinburgh, UK Trait complexes are combinations of interests, personality traits and intellectual abilities that relate to cognitive investment in knowledge domains, and predict educational and career choices (Ackerman, 2000). Only one study to date has related trait complexes to realized occupation, using Project TALENT (PT), a nationally-representative sample of American high school students from 1960 (Austin & Hanisch, 1990). We improved on the methods of this study by creating a factor-analytically derived model of the interests in PT, separating g from specific non-g abilities, and using latent class analysis to classify individuals according to trait complexes of occupational interests and cognitive abilities. Two non-g factors were found that represented aspects of the Verbal-Image Rotation dimension (Johnson & Bouchard, 2007). Latent class membership was used to predict realized occupational category 11 years after high school graduation in the grade 11 and 12 samples. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.135
Two dimensions of psychological country-level differences: Conservatism/liberalism and harshness/softness L. Stankov, J. Lee, F. van de Vijver University of Western Sydney, Australia We examined dimensions of noncognitive functioning based on the administration of 22 measures of personality, social attitudes, values, and social norms in 35 countries (Ns ranging from 9 to 430; Total N = 1895). Four essentially identical factors were found at individual and country level: Personality/Social Attitudes; Values; Social Norms, and Conservatism. The four factors were correlated at country level, yielding a second-order Conservatism/Liberalism (combining Conservatism and Values) and a Harshness/Softness factor (combining Personality/Social Attitudes and Norms). Broad Conservatism/Liberalism is akin to Inglehart’s (1997) contrast between survival and well-being; it was negatively correlated with countries’ affluence, educational achievement indicators, and measures of mass communication and freedom. The Harshness/Softness factor contrasts countries that are tough and harsh/unforgiving and countries that are warm and tolerant; it is related to Gelfand and 43 authors’ (2011) tightness/looseness dimension. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.136
Using person-centred mixture models to better understand the Actual-Ideal Discrepancy model L.F. Scalas, A.J.S. Morin, H.W. Marsh Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy This study is a substantive methodological synergy in which we used person-centred mixture modelling to investigate whether the Actual-Ideal Discrepancy (AID) model’s predictions might be verified in specific subgroups of participants (N = 1693) in order to explain apparent research discrepancies in previous variable-centred studies. Mixture regression models identified three profiles, and one of them (25.7%) clearly supported the predicted negative effect of Ideal Appearance on Physical Self-Concept (PSC), confirming our hypothesis. Our results suggest that the relationships between these constructs might be more complex than anticipated, with a weighting role of Ideal standards and an articulated pattern of direct and indirect relations. For example, the effect of Actual Appearance on PSC and Global Self-Esteem (GSE) increases as ideal standards increase, and the negative effects of ideal standards on PSC are only apparent when these standards are lower. Overall, these results also explain the elusive nature of the AID model. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.137
Validity of the selection procedure for air traffic controllers D. Keye, K. Conzelmann, D. Grasshoff, H. Eißfeldt, A. Heintz, P. Maschke DLR German Aerospace Center, Germany The job of an air traffic controller (ATCO) is highly specific. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducts a multi-stage selection procedure for ATCO applicants of the German Air Navigation Service Provider (DFS). A validation study based on 476 ab initio ATCO trainees was conducted. Predictors included cognitive ability tests, low-fidelity ATC simulations, team exercises, English language tests, and interview ratings. These were related to criteria such as performance in theoretical and practical examinations, performance ratings of instructors, exam repetition, and training success. The training success rate of 81% was satisfactory and best predicted by cognitive ability tests and the interview. Examination performance was best predicted by cognitive ability complimented by simulation tests, and the interview. Early stages of training were better predicted compared to later ones. The prediction of exam repetitions included cognitive ability tests and ATC simulations. Ratings of instructors were predicted by tests from almost all selection tests. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.138
Visuospatial training is better than working memory training for improving Gf: Evidence from videogames M.A. Quiroga, F.J. Román, S. Escorial, J. Privado, R. Colom Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain Short-term cognitive training programs are now capturing a great interest. These programs are based on different perspectives (adaptive n back, working memory, visuospatial programs, etc.). Here we compare working memory (WM) and visuospatial (VIS) training programs based on two video games for video-console: WM training was based on ’Cages’ whereas VIS training relied on ’Train’. Both games are from Big Brain Academy? for Nintendo Wii. Twenty-four females completed a set of cognitive measures (fluid intelligence, spatial intelligence, and spatial working memory), group administered, before and after video games training across 6 sessions. This