2019

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics

Data, Information, Evidence, and Knowledge: A Proposal for Health Informatics and Data Science

Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v10i3.9631

In this commentary, I revisit and modify Ackoff's data-information-knowledge-wisdom (DIKW) hierarchy. I suggest to de-emphasize the wisdom part and to insert evidence between information and knowledge (DIEK). This framework defines data as raw symbols, which become information when they are contextualized. Information achieves the status of evidence in comparison to relevant standards. Evidence is used to test hypotheses and is transformed into knowledge by success and consensus. As checkpoints for the transition from evidence to knowledge I suggest relevance, robustness, repeatability, and reproducibility.

2018

Experimental & Molecular Medicine

Whither systems medicine?

Apweiler, R., Beissbarth, T., Berthold, M.R., Blüthgen, N., Burmeister, Y., Dammann, O., Deutsch, A., Feuerhake, F., Franke, A., Hasenauer, J., Hoffmann, S., Höfer, T., Jansen, P.L., Kaderali, L., Klingmüller, U., Koch, I., Kohlbacher, O., Kuepfer, L., Lammert, F., Maier, D., Pfeifer, N., Radde et al.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2017.290

New technologies to generate, store and retrieve medical and research data are inducing a rapid change in clinical and translational research and health care. Systems medicine is the interdisciplinary approach wherein physicians and clinical investigators team up with experts from biology, biostatistics, informatics, mathematics and computational modeling to develop methods to use new and stored data to the benefit of the patient. We here provide a critical assessment of the opportunities and challenges arising out of systems approaches in medicine and from this provide a definition of what systems medicine entails. Based on our analysis of current developments in medicine and healthcare and associated research needs, we emphasize the role of systems medicine as a multilevel and multidisciplinary methodological framework for informed data acquisition and interdisciplinary data analysis to extract previously inaccessible knowledge for the benefit of patients.

Why people do the things they do: Building on Julius Kuhl's contributions to the psychology of motivation and volition.

How do we know if you know yourself? Measures, causes, and consequences of self-access

Baumann, N., Kazén, M., & Quirin, M.

Although researchers agree that they have to distinguish self-concepts from the entity they refer to (i.e., the self), many still struggle with a clear definition and measure of the self. How well people know themselves (i.e., how much access they have to their implicit self) differs greatly between and within individuals. PSI theory (Kuhl, 2000, 2001) defines the self as part of a larger, parallel-distributed network system (extension memory) that integrates autobiographical information and implicit representations of own needs, goals, and preferences. In the present chapter, we give an overview over six different measures of self-access that are derived from or consistent with PSI theory. Three measures are based on the consistency of explicit ratings with different contents of the self: (a) implicit needs (motive congruence), (b) previous goal selections (self-discrimination), and (c) previous preference ratings (preference stability). Three latency-based measures tap into distinct processing characteristics of the self: (d) intuitive processing as indicated by shorter RTs during a self-classification task (self-activation), (e) integrative (thorough) processing as indicated by longer RTs in case of conflict-laden information (autonoetic access), and (f) evaluative processing as indicated by RTs correlation with decision difficulty (preference sensitivity). Our review elaborates on causes (e.g., negative affect), correlates (e.g., action vs. state orientation), and outcomes (e.g., well-being) of self-access. Overall, the findings indicate that self-access can be reliably and validly measured and constitutes a strong and vital resource in personality functioning.

Why people do the things they do: Building on Julius Kuhl's contributions to the psychology of motivation and volition.

How do we know if you know yourself? Measures, causes, and consequences of self-access

Baumann, N., Kazén, M., & Quirin, M.

Although researchers agree that they have to distinguish self-concepts from the entity they refer to (i.e., the self), many still struggle with a clear definition and measure of the self. How well people know themselves (i.e., how much access they have to their implicit self) differs greatly between and within individuals. PSI theory (Kuhl, 2000, 2001) defines the self as part of a larger, parallel-distributed network system (extension memory) that integrates autobiographical information and implicit representations of own needs, goals, and preferences. In the present chapter, we give an overview over six different measures of self-access that are derived from or consistent with PSI theory. Three measures are based on the consistency of explicit ratings with different contents of the self: (a) implicit needs (motive congruence), (b) previous goal selections (self-discrimination), and (c) previous preference ratings (preference stability). Three latency-based measures tap into distinct processing characteristics of the self: (d) intuitive processing as indicated by shorter RTs during a self-classification task (self-activation), (e) integrative (thorough) processing as indicated by longer RTs in case of conflict-laden information (autonoetic access), and (f) evaluative processing as indicated by RTs correlation with decision difficulty (preference sensitivity). Our review elaborates on causes (e.g., negative affect), correlates (e.g., action vs. state orientation), and outcomes (e.g., well-being) of self-access. Overall, the findings indicate that self-access can be reliably and validly measured and constitutes a strong and vital resource in personality functioning.

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics

A Causally Naïve and Rigid Population Model of Disease Occurrence Given Two Non-Independent Risk Factors

Dammann, O., Chui, K., & Blumer, A.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v10i2.9357

We describe a computational population model with two risk factors and one outcome variable in which the prevalence (%) of all three variables, the association between each risk factor and the disease, as well as the association between the two risk factors is the input. We briefly describe three examples: retinopathy of prematurity, diabetes in Panama, and smoking and obesity as risk factors for diabetes. We describe and discuss the simulation results in these three scenarios including how the published information is used as input and how changes in risk factor prevalence changes outcome prevalence.

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine

The Epistemological Weight of Randomized-Controlled Trials Depends on Their Results

Flanagan, R. F., & Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1353/pbm.2018.0034

When evaluating the internal validity of clinical trials, physicians and medical researchers place substantial importance on factors such as blinding and randomization. For a particular randomized-controlled trial (RCT), causal inference and explanation require additional contextual considerations, to which we assign the term "epistemological weight." We argue that one component of epistemological weight, epistemological function, depends on a trial's results. We further note that discordant RCTs often lead to hypothesis generation, an epistemological function that is rare among concordant studies. As an example of methodologically sound but discordant studies, we explore the issue of hormone-replacement therapy and cardiovascular outcomes.

2017

Neonatology

Screening Tool for Early Postnatal Prediction of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Newborns (STEP-ROP)

Ricard, C. A., Dammann, CEL, & Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1159/000464459

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder of the preterm newborn characterized by neurovascular disruption in the immature retina that may cause visual impairment and blindness.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a clinical screening tool for early postnatal prediction of ROP in preterm newborns based on risk information available within the first 48 h of postnatal life.
METHODS: Using data submitted to the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) between 1995 and 2015, we created logistic regression models based on infants born <28 completed weeks gestational age. We developed a model with 60% of the data and identified birth weight, gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, non-Hispanic ethnicity, and multiple gestation as predictors of ROP. We tested the model in the remaining 40%, performed tenfold cross-validation, and tested the score in ELGAN study data.
RESULTS: Of the 1,052 newborns in the VON database, 627 recorded an ROP status. Forty percent had no ROP, 40% had mild ROP (stages 1 and 2), and 20% had severe ROP (stages 3-5). We created a weighted score to predict any ROP based on the multivariable regression model. A cutoff score of 5 had the best sensitivity (95%, 95% CI 93-97), while maintaining a strong positive predictive value (63%, 95% CI 57-68). When applied to the ELGAN data, sensitivity was lower (72%, 95% CI 69-75), but PPV was higher (80%, 95% CI 77-83).
CONCLUSIONS: STEP-ROP is a promising screening tool. It is easy to calculate, does not rely on extensive postnatal data collection, and can be calculated early after birth. Early ROP screening may help physicians limit patient exposure to additional risk factors, and may be useful for risk stratification in clinical trials aimed at reducing ROP.

2016

Diagnostische Verfahren in der Psychotherapie

Diagnostische Verfahren in der Psychotherapie. Abk PSSI

Kuhl, J., & Kazén, M.

Das PSSI erfasst die relative Ausprägung von 14 Persönlichkeitsstilen, die als nicht pathologische Entsprechungen der in psychiatrischen diagnostischen Manualen beschriebenen Persönlichkeitsstörungen konzipiert sind (DSM-IV; ICD-10, plus Zusatzskalen). Die Skalen (mit je 10 Items) haben ausreichende interne Konsistenz und zeigen ein theoretisch stimmiges Netz von Beziehungen mit einer Vielzahl klinischer und nicht klinischer Verhaltensmerkmale, das eine gute Konstruktvalidität des Inventars etabliert. Der Test unterstützt die Klassifikation von Persönlichkeitsstörungen (ab DSM – IV, Achse II; ICD – 10). Er hilft bei der Selektion der Interventionsstrategie, bei der Prognose der Therapierbarkeit, der Qualitäts- und Prozesskontrolle in der Intervention sowie bei der Therapieerfolgsbeurteilung. Abgesehen von der therapiebegleitenden Anwendung sowohl bei Persönlichkeitsstörungen (Giernalczyk, 1999) als auch bei Suchtpatienten (Schlebusch et al. 2006) und schulenübergreifend in der Psychotherapie (Ritz-Schulte et al. 2008) wird das Verfahren auch eingesetzt in der psychologischen Beratung (Schule, Laufbahnberatung, Lebensberatung etc.), Personalauswahl und –entwicklung sowie begleitend zum Coaching und in der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (www.impart.de; Kaschel & Kuhl, 2004; Kazén et al. 2013; Kuhl & Henseler, 2004; Ritz-Schulte & Kuhl, 2005).

European Journal of Psychological Assessment

A cross-cultural validation of the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT): Results from ten nations across three continents

. Quirin, M., Wróbel, M., Norcini-Pala, A., Stieger, S., Shanchuan, D., Hicks, J. A., Mitina, O., Brosschot, J., Kazén, M., Lasauskaite-Schüpbach, R., Silvestrini, N., Steca, P., Padun, M. A., & Kuhl, J.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1027/1015-5759/a000315

Self-report measures of affect come with a number of difficulties that can be circumvented by using indirect measurement procedures. The Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT) is a recently developed measure of automatic activation of representations of affective states and traits that draws on participants’ ratings of the extent to which nonsense words purportedly originating from an artificial language bear positive or negative meaning. Here we compared psychometric properties of this procedure across 10 countries and provide versions in corresponding languages (Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish). The results suggest good reliability, metric invariance, and construct validity across countries and languages. The IPANAT thus turns out as a useful tool for the indirect assessment of affect in different languages and cultures.

2015

Motivation and Emotion

Testing the convergent and discriminant validity of three implicit motive measure: PSE, OMT, and MMG. 2015.

Schüler, J., Brandstätter, V., Wegner, M., & Baumann, N.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-015-9502-1

Implicit motive research has shown that implicit motives are important predictors of behavior and well-being. However, little is known about the interrelationship between the different implicit motives measures frequently applied. We aimed to shed light on the convergent validity of three implicit motive measures and wanted to test their assumed statistical independence from three explicit motive measures. Therefore, we administered the picture story exercise (PSE), the operant motive test (OMT), and the multi-motive grid in one and the same study. As explicit measures, we used the personality research form, the motive enactment test, and a goal questionnaire. We investigated the statistical overlaps between all these measures (sample: 202 undergraduate students) and found that the implicit motive measures showed either no or only little correlation with each other. Furthermore, they also partly correlated with explicit motive measures. Supplementary analyses showed that the lack of statistical overlap between PSE and OMT can partly be ascribed to their different scoring systems.

2013

Basic and Applied Social Psychology

Work craving: A conceptualization and measurement

Wojdylo, K., Baumann, N., Buczny, J., Owens, G., & Kuhl, J.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1080/01973533.2013.840631

Obsessive-compulsive models of workaholism do not allow diagnosing it as an addiction. We introduce an empirical evidence for conceptualization and measurement of work addiction as work craving. The Work Craving Scale (WCS) comprises: (a) obsessive-compulsive desire for work, (b) anticipation of self-worth compensation, (c) anticipation of reduction of negative affect or withdrawal symptoms resulting from working, and (d) neurotic perfectionism. Results (N= 1,459) confirmed the four-factorial structure of the WCS and indicated its good validity and reliability. The conceptualization of work craving significantly contributes to understanding of workaholism as an addiction, and should stimulate future research on work craving.

2012

Diagnostische Verfahren in der Psychotherapie

PSSI: Persönlichkeitsstile und Störungsinventar

Kuhl, J., & Kazén, M.

Das PSSI ist ein Selbstbeurteilungsinstrument, mit dem die relative Ausprägung von Persönlichkeitsstilen erfasst wird. Diese sind als nicht-pathologische Entsprechungen der in den psychiatrischen diagnostischen Manualen DSM-IV und ICD-10 beschriebenen Persönlichkeitsstörungen konzipiert. Das PSSI umfasst 140 Items, die 14 Skalen zugeordnet sind: PN (eigenwillig-paranoid), SZ (zurückhaltend-schizoid), ST (ahnungsvoll-schizotypisch), BL (spontan-borderline), HI (liebenswürdig-histrionisch), NA (ehrgeizig-narzisstisch), SU (selbstkritisch-selbstunsicher), AB (loyal-abhängig), ZW (sorgfältig-zwanghaft), NT (kritisch-negativistisch), DP (still-depressiv), SL (hilfsbereit-selbstlos), RH (optimistisch-rhapsodisch), AS (selbstbehauptend-antisozial). Seit dem Erscheinen der 1. Auflage des PSSI-Manuals ist das PSSI zunehmend nicht nur in der therapiebegleitenden Anwendung, sondern auch in Beratungs- und Coaching-Kontexten eingesetzt worden. Das Manual der 2., überarbeiteten und neu normierten Auflage enthält Statistiken aus einer erheblich erweiterten Normierungsstichprobe und Vergleichsdaten zu sämtlichen Persönlichkeitsskalen aus verschiedenen Patientengruppen sowie eine Aktualisierung der wichtigsten Forschungsergebnisse.

Encyclopedia of personality research: Volume 2

Circumventing self-reflection when measuring emotions: The Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT)

Quirin, M., Kazén, M., & Kuhl, J.

This paper presents a recently developed method for the indirect assessment of emotional traits and states, the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT). In the IPANAT individuals make judgments about the degree to which artificial words sound like mood adjectives (e.g., happy or helpless). It is proposed that cognitive representations of emotions as being dominant in individuals with high sensitivity to these emotions instantaneously bring the judgments into their line. Recent findings are summarized that speak for appropriate reliability and validity of the IPANAT. As a paper-pencil test, the IPANAT is easy in application and takes no longer than 2 minutes. These properties may render this measure attractive for both basic and applied psychology.

Pediatric Research

Integrated mechanism reviews

Dammann, O., & Gressens, P.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2012.31

Among the scientific journals devoted to child health, Pediatric Research focuses on mechanistic aspects of disease etiology, pathogenesis, and interventions (1). In keeping with this mission, we strongly believe that review articles designed to propose, discuss, and/or reject mechanisms are of great interest to a large proportion of our readers. In this editorial, we make the case for what we call integrated mechanism reviews (IMRs), and we invite readers to submit proposals from their field of interest.

2011

Journal of Personality Assessment

Appraisal of suicidal risk among adolescents and young adults through the Rohrschach Test

Blasczyk-Shiep, S., Kazén, M., Kuhl, J., & Grygielski, M.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2011.594130

The aims of this study are to investigate suicidal behaviors among adolescents and young adults and to test an index composed using Rorschach test responses related to an increased risk of suicide. Using a cross-sectional design, 4 groups were studied (according to criteria of the Columbia Classification Algorithm of Suicide Assessment [Posner, Oquendo, Gould, Stanley, & Davies, 2007]): A group with suicidal ideation (n = 30), a group with parasuicidal behavior (n = 30), a group with near-lethal suicide attempts (n = 26), and a control group (n = 30). Responses to the Rorschach test yielded 6 potential indicators of suicidal behavior (scored according to Exner's Comprehensive System and the Suicidal Index for Adolescents; Silberg & Armstrong, 1992 ). Rorschach scores including at least 4 of these 6 indicators selected 69% of the people who had committed serious suicide attempts. The Rorschach Suicidal Index reached an acceptable reliability and was related to other criteria of suicide risk, such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Beck, Ward, Mendelsohn, Mock, & Erbaugh, 1961) and Linehan Reasons for Living Inventory (RFL-I; Linehan, Goodstein, Nielsen, & Chiles, 1983). Moreover, the Rorschach Suicidal Index showed incremental validity over the BDI and the RFL-I to predict suicidal behavior. A path analysis additionally showed that low social support was an important mediator between the Rorschach Suicidal Index and the number of suicide attempts committed by participants.

Neuropediatrics

Toward multi-scale computational modeling in developmental disability research

Dammann, O., & Follett, P.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1283157

The field of theoretical neuroscience is gaining increasing recognition. Virtually all areas of neuroscience offer potential linkage points for computational work. In developmental neuroscience, main areas of research are neural development and connectivity, and connectionist modeling of cognitive development. In this paper, we suggest that computational models can be helpful tools for understanding the pathogenesis and consequences of perinatal brain damage and subsequent developmental disability. In particular, designing multi-scale computational models should be considered by developmental neuroscientists interested in helping reduce the risk for developmental disabilities.

Klinisch-psychiatrische Ratingskalen für das Kindes- und Jugendalter

Persönlichkeits-Stil- und Störungs-Inventar

Kuhl, J. & Kazén, M.

Das Persönlichkeits – Stil – und Störungs – Inventar (PSSI) erfasst die relative Ausprägung von 14 Persönlichkeitsstilen, die als nicht pathologische Entsprechungen, der in psychiatrischen diagnostischen Manualen beschriebenen Persönlichkeitsstörungen konzipiert sind (DSM – IV; Saß et al., 2003; ICD-10; Dilling et al., 2008). Die Diagnostik dispositioneller Stile ist sowohl in der klinischen Praxis (Beck & Freeman, 1993) als auch in vielen anderen Anwendungsfeldern (vgl. Schulz von Thun, 1989) nützlich (z.B. in der Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie, in der Pädagogischen Psychologie etc.). Die 2. Auflage des PSSI enthält eine Normierungsstichprobe von 1943 Probanden, Vergleichsdaten zu sämtlichen Persönlichkeitsskalen aus verschiedenen Patientengruppen und eine Aktualisierung der wichtigsten Forschungsergebnisse, die im Rahmen der Konstruktvalidierung des PSSI verfügbar sind.

Pediatric Research

Pediatric research: tradition and transition

Dammann, O., & Gressens, P.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182060c6f

More than 40 years after the first issue of Pediatric Research was published, we are happy to report that the Journal is in great shape. Pediatric Research continues to publish exciting findings from laboratories and clinical research groups from around the globe. Motivated by the recently launched division into basic, translational, and clinical contributions, some of us have come to call Pediatric Research the only “bench-to-bedside” journal in pediatrics.
By initiating these and other changes, the previous Chief Editors, Sherin Devaskar and Petra Hüppi, have made Pediatric Research more accessible and cutting edge than ever before. At the same time, they have preserved the tradition of the Journal as being devoted to the publication of the best possible research. We appreciate their excellent work and acknowledge their accomplishments that pushed the Journal forward.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology

Images, brains, and number games

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04118.x

Perinatal neuroepidemiologists are interested in better understanding the relationship between perinatal adversity and developmental outcomes. One motivation for this is to improve preventive and therapeutic interventions. Another is to provide better information to infants’ parents.
In keeping with these goals, Spittle et al. report their important findings from the Victorian Infant Brain Study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were obtained at term equivalent age and follow‐up was performed at age 5 years. A few years ago, the literature suggested that the relationship between neonatal ultrasound/MRI and outcome is sometimes weaker than commonly desired. Spittle et al.’s data are very helpful in improving our knowledge in this field in at least two ways.
First and most importantly, investigators found a strong quantitative relationship between white matter abnormalities (WMA) on MRI and motor outcome. Irrespective of whether you believe that neonatal white matter damage causes developmental disability, or that the two are characteristics of the same process, the findings support both these views. The additional finding that the strength of the association increased with increasing WMA severity lends further strength to both conjectures.
Second, even though associations were strong in terms of large odds ratios, most of the positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were not impressive. In fact, only three out of the sixteen PPVs and NPVs reported were higher than 90%, and half were below 50%, which severely curtails their value for predictive purposes. While PPVs and NPVs are extremely helpful in understanding the quality of the association between WMA and developmental outcome, they raise certain doubts about the utility of MRI results as presented here for the purpose of decision‐making.

2010

Reproductive Sciences

Simulation of Intra-Amniotic Infection and the Fetal Inflammatory Response in a Novel Ex-vivo Human Umbilical Cord Perfusion Model

Hassan, S., Bueter, W., Acevedo, C., Dammann, C. E. L., & Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719110361386

Objective: We aimed to design and test an ex-vivo human umbilical cord (HUC) perfusion model simulating a fetal inflammatory response (FIR) during intra-amniotic infection. Study Design: A 2-chamber model was designed to accommodate 2 pieces of umbilical cord. Cord perfusion was performed with placental blood. Intra-amniotic exposure to infectious organisms was simulated by adding lipopolysaccharide to the artificial amniotic fluid (AAF) compartment. As a measure of inflammatory response, we used interleukin 8 (IL-8) concentration in AAF and plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: We established a stable physiological setup. Results revealed significantly elevated plasma IL-8 concentrations (n = 6, P < .05) in the blood compartment of umbilical cords exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Concentrations within AAF were not significantly elevated (n = 6, P = .3095). Conclusion: Simulation of a FIR in an ex-vivo model of HUC perfusion under physiological conditions is possible. Further work is necessary to establish histological funisitis.

2009

Personality assessment: New research

Circumventing self-reflection when measuring emotions: The Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT)

Quirin, M., Kazén, M., & Kuhl, J.

This paper presents a recently developed method for the indirect assessment of emotional traits and states, the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT). In the IPANAT individuals make judgments about the degree to which artificial words sound like mood adjectives (e.g., happy or helpless). It is proposed that cognitive representations of emotions as being dominant in individuals with high sensitivity to these emotions instantaneously bring the judgments into their line. Recent findings are summarized that speak for appropriate reliability and validity of the IPANAT. As a paper-pencil test, the IPANAT is easy in application and takes no longer than 2 minutes. These properties may render this measure attractive for both basic and applied psychology.

Manual für die Trainingsbegleitende Osnabrücker Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik (TOP)

Kuhl, J., & Alsleben, P.

Die trainingsbegleitende Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik TOP ist in über 20-jähriger Entwicklung zu einer fundierten Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik gereift, die in besonderer Weise die Ressourcen und Entwicklungschancen eines Klienten berücksichtigt, aber auch seine Probleme und Schwierigkeiten deutlich macht. Die TOP ermöglicht so eine Optimierung der Beratungs- und Trainingsangebote, indem diese möglichst genau an die Merkmale und Ziele des Klienten angepasst werden können.

In diesem Manual findet sich eine Beschreibung der Testmodule, eine wissenschaftliche Validierung und eine Zusammenstellung aktueller Literatur.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

When nonsense sounds happy or sad: The implicit positive and negative affect test (IPANAT)

Quirin, M., Kazén, M., & Kuhl, J.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016063

This article introduces an instrument for the indirect assessment of positive and negative affect, the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT). This test draws on participant ratings of the extent to which artificial words subjectively convey various emotions. Factor analyses of these ratings yielded two independent factors that can be interpreted as implicit positive and negative affect. The corresponding scales show adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, stability (Study 1), and construct validity (Study 2). Studies 3 and 4 demonstrate that the IPANAT also measures state variance. Finally, Study 5 provides criterion-based validity by demonstrating that correlations between implicit affect and explicit affect are higher under conditions of spontaneous responding than under conditions of reflective responding to explicit affect scales. The present findings suggest that the IPANAT is a reliable and valid measure with a straightforward application procedure.

2008

Psychological Science

Towards an integrated measure of need affiliation and agreeableness derived from the operant motive test

Scheffer, D., Eichstaedt, J., Chasiotis, A., & Kuhl, J.

The Operant Motive Test (OMT) has been conceptualized to measure the amalgam of aroused needs and motive-relevant traits which specifies an implementation strategy of the motive. Therefore the OMT differs conceptually from the TAT. In Study 1 we found empirical evidence for this interaction hypothesis. The OMT, but not the TAT, was a function of a significant interaction effect of an aroused affiliation need and agreeableness. The overall correlation between OMT and TAT was small and only marginally significant in an experimental arousal condition. Study 1 also yielded evidence that the OMT measure of affiliation (i.e. m affiliation) has construct validity. Study 2 gave indirect evidence for stability of OMT m affiliation. In Study 3 the OMT predicted peer ratings of customer service orientation.

2007

Developmental Neuroscience

Perinatal Brain Damage Causation

Dammann, O., & Leviton, A.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1159/000105469

The search for causes of perinatal brain damage needs a solid theoretical foundation. Current theory apparently does not offer a unanimously accepted view of what constitutes a cause, and how it can be identified. We discuss nine potential theoretical misconceptions: (1) too narrow a view of what is a cause (causal production vs. facilitation), (2) extrapolating from possibility to fact (potential vs. factual causation), (3) if X, then invariably Y (determinism vs. probabilism), (4) co-occurrence in individuals vs. association in populations, (5) one cause is all that is needed (single cause attribution vs. multicausal constellations), (6) drawing causal inferences from very small numbers of observations (the tendency to generalize), (7) unstated causal inferences, (8) ignoring heterogeneity, and (9) failing to consider alternative explanations for what is observed. We hope that our critical discussion will contribute to fruitful research and help reduce the burden of perinatal brain damage.

2006

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology

Evidence-based child neurology

Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0012162206001307

This paper discusses some of the issues that, once resolved, may help child neurologists and pediatric neuroepidemiologists in their mutual understanding and collaborative efforts. Emphasis is placed on the all-too-frequent assumption that evidence-based medicine only covers the application of results from randomized double-blind trials in practice. A considerable proportion of child neurology concerns clinical diagnosis and etiological inference. Therefore, evidence-based child neurology might benefit not only from the therapeutic, but also from the diagnostic and etiological components of epidemiology.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology

Evidence-based child neurology

Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0012162206001307

This paper discusses some of the issues that, once resolved, may help child neurologists and pediatric neuroepidemiologists in their mutual understanding and collaborative efforts. Emphasis is placed on the all-too-frequent assumption that evidence-based medicine only covers the application of results from randomized double-blind trials in practice. A considerable proportion of child neurology concerns clinical diagnosis and etiological inference. Therefore, evidence-based child neurology might benefit not only from the therapeutic, but also from the diagnostic and etiological components of epidemiology.

The New England Journal of Medicine

Neuroimaging and the Prediction of Outcomes in Preterm Infants

Dammann, O., & Leviton, A.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMe068123

Among the most pressing questions for the parents and caregivers of extremely preterm infants are those about their children's future. Will they survive? If so, what are their chances of leading a life that we consider normal? In a large study of infants born before the end of the 26th week of gestation, only one in five had no neurodevelopmental limitations at six years of age, and one in five was severely disabled. So how should physicians counsel the parents of a child born at 25 weeks of gestation or earlier? The determination of this prognosis poses many problems.

Biology of the Neonate

Protein detection in dried blood by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS)

Dammann, C. E., Meyer, M., Dammann, O., & von Neuhoff, N.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1159/000088716

BACKGROUND: The rapid and reliable identification of biomarkers in the smallest possible amount of blood remains a challenge in biomarker epidemiological research involving preterm newborns.
OBJECTIVE: We wanted to explore whether the proteomics approach of 'surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry' (SELDI-TOF MS) is possible and feasible in whole cord blood previously dried on filter paper.
METHODS: Umbilical cord blood from 7 healthy newborns was frozen as serum, whole blood (with or without additives), or dried on filter paper (with or without additives). We used the SELDI-TOF MS technique for protein detection on the ProteinChip arrays: weak cationic exchange array (CM10), hydrophobic array (H50), and strong anion exchange array (Q10). Profiles were compared in terms of peak intensity and number of resolved peaks.
RESULTS: Dried neonatal blood, eluted from filter paper, revealed profiles similar to the profiles derived from serum at a protein range of 3-10 kDa. Among additives, heparin led to highest peak intensities for both blood and dried blood. Spectra from heparinized whole blood and heparinized dried blood from the umbilical cord of 8 different healthy newborns on three different types of ProteinChip arrays were very similar.
CONCLUSION: We conclude that it is possible and feasible to use SELDI-TOF MS for recovery and detection of whole proteins from dried blood collected on filter paper. The method is easy to perform in large groups of newborns, minimizing the amount of blood needed for biomarker studies. The validity and reproducibility of this method needs to be studied in detail.

2005

Early Human Development

Magnetic resonance and ultrasound brain imaging in preterm infants

O’Shea, T. M., Counsell, S. J., Bartels, D. B., & Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2005.01.004

Cranial ultrasonography has been used to identify brain injury in preterm neonates for more than two decades. More recently, magnetic resonance imaging has been used to evaluate brain development and pathology in these infants. In this review we describe how well findings from these two imaging modalities agree with histology findings and neurodevelopmental outcome. In addition, we discuss studies comparing ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Fetal and Neonatal edition. Population based study on the outcome of small for gestational age newborns

Bartels, D. B., Kreienbrock, L., Dammann, O., Wenzlaff, P., Poets, C. F.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.053892

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether and how population based data from a regional quality control programme can be used to investigate the hypothesis that small for gestational age (SGA) very low birthweight infants (VLBW, <1500 g) are at increased risk of death, severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), and periventricular leucomalacia (PVL), but at decreased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). METHODS: Analyses of population based perinatal/neonatal data (1991-96) from a quality control programme in Lower Saxony, Germany. After assessment of data validity and representativeness, exclusion criteria were defined: birth weight >90th centile, severe malformations, siblings of multiple births, and gestational age (GA) <25 or >29 weeks. Outcomes of interest were death, severe IVH, PVL, and RDS. Multivariable analyses were performed by Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Within the data validation procedure, an increase in proportions of both VLBW (from 0.95% in 1991 to 1.11% in 1996; +17%) and SGA (from 22.7% to 27.4%; +21%) infants became apparent (p<0.05). The study population consisted of 1623 infants (173 SGA). Mortality was 12.1% (n = 196), with an adjusted hazard ratio for SGA infants of 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70 to 3.79. Both groups were at similar risk of severe IVH (adjusted odds ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.65) and PVL (1.54, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.87), but SGA infants had less RDS (0.57, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.93). Male sex, multiple birth, hypothermia (<35.5 degrees C), and sepsis were associated with IVH and RDS. Infants admitted to hospitals with <36 VLBW admissions/year had increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.56, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.18). CONCLUSIONS: SGA VLBW infants are at increased risk of death, but not of IVH and PVL, and at decreased risk of RDS. That mortality is higher in smaller hospitals needs further investigation.

Conference Proceedings of the Third International SELF Research Conference

Self-concept, motivation and identity: Where to from here. Distinguishing associative from integrative implicit measures of self-access

Kazén, M., & Baumann, N.

Implicit measures of self-access are investigated. Whereas "associative" measures involve activation of associative links between the self and already established attitudes, "integrative" measures involve a thorough evaluation process in which new contradictory experiences are checked out for integration into the self system. An example of an associative measure is the implicit association test (IAT), in which high self-esteem is indexed by shorter latencies to keys associated to I-and-pleasant compared to latencies to keys associated to I-and-unpleasant item pairs (Greenwald & Farnham, 2000). An integrative measure is illustrated with a situation in which one first has to make self-incompatible decisions (selecting unattractive and rejecting attractive items) and then correctly responds against his/her own preferences ("I selected" unattractive and "I did not select" attractive items). Individuals with good self-access (action oriented) produce longer latencies in this task, indicating that they engage in a thorough process of self-compatibility checking (Kazén, Baumann, & Kuhl, 2003). Results of a first validation study are reported. Whereas the associative measure tends to correlate with "self-complexity" (H; Linville, 1985), the integrative measure correlates negatively with "self- concept compartmentalization" (Phi; Showers & Kling, 1996), neuroticism, and subjective level of stress. None of the implicit measures correlates significantly with Rosenberg's self-esteem scale. Implication of the above results for the measurement of the implicit Self are discussed.

2004

Handbook of motivational counseling: Concepts, approaches, and assessment.

Volitional and emotional correlates of the motivational structure questionnaire: Further evidence for construct validity

Baumann, N.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470713129.ch10

This chapter presents relationships between the Motivational Structure Questionnaire (MSQ) and personality and clinical questionnaires as well as behavioral measures that contribute to the construct validity of the MSQ. The MSQ showed theoretically consistent relationships with a personality disposition toward state versus action orientation and clinical measures of depression and anxiety. In addition to interindividual differences in motivational structure, MSQ indices reflected intraindividual differences in motivational characteristics between wishes, duties, and intentions. Furthermore, MSQ indices predicted difficulties with subsequent actual goal enactment, as retrospectively rated by participants. Consistent relationships were found not only for self-report measures but also for implicit, nonreactive measures of self-infiltration (i.e., false self-attribution of externally controlled goals or activities) and alienation (i.e., difficulties in perceiving and enacting emotional preferences).The experimental data suggest that specific motivational structures may be interpreted as instances of volitional inhibition or self-inhibition. In sum, findings contribute to the validity of the MSQ.

Journal of Child Neurology

Impact of motor skills on cognitive test results in very-low-birthweight children

Losch, H., & Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1177/088307380401900502

Standardized tests that are frequently used to evaluate the cognitive development of very-low-birthweight children often appear to measure motor ability as well as cognitive skills. To estimate the impact of motor skills on individual test performance among very-low-birthweight children of kindergarten age, we employed factor analysis in a sample of 298 very-low-birthweight children that included severely disabled children. Using a test battery designed to measure concentration, language skills, overall cognitive development, visuomotor abilities, and memory, we identified two factors in each of three diagnostic subgroups: unimpaired children (n = 184), clumsy children (n = 56), and children with cerebral palsy (n = 33). Based on the pattern of factor loadings, we interpret the first factor as capturing language and overall cognitive abilities, whereas the second factor appears to capture motor abilities. Language skills explained 49% and motor abilities accounted for 16% of the overall variance of the individual test results. Among children with attention deficit (n = 25), a third factor emerged. In these children, we interpret the first factor as capturing language or cognitive skills, the second as representing visuomotor skills, and the third as a quantifier of the ability to concentrate. The test battery tested the same abilities in impaired and unimpaired children; however, these were not always the abilities that the battery aimed to test. Future studies need to evaluate whether factor scores only for cognitive but not motor abilities might be useful outcome variables.

Förderung von Arbeitsmotivation und Gesundheit in Organisationen

Systemdiagnostik: Assessment und Förderung persönlicher Kompetenzen [Systems-oriented assessment: Development of personal abilities]

Kuhl, J. & Henseler, W.

Trainings persönlicher Kompetenzen, so ist man mit einer paradoxen Situation konfrontiert: Warum haben „Vereinfachungsgurus" ausgerechnet dann, wenn es um das komplexeste System überhaupt geht (nämlich um den Menschen) immer noch einen großen Zuspruch? Was ist der Grund dafür, dass Personalentscheidungen immer noch aufgrund von Kurztests oder oft auch ganz ohne professionelle Diagnostik getroffen werden? Was ist der Grund dafür, dass z. B. im Bereich der Führungskräfteentwicklung Seminare den Markt beherrschen, die Vereinfachungsillusionen anbieten statt das zu leisten, was beim Stand der psychologischen und neurobiologischen Forschung wirklich möglich ist? Ein erster Grund liegt sicherlich darin, dass das wissenschaftlich Machbare noch nicht in praxistaugliche Instrumente umgesetzt wurde. Aber auch wenn diese Hürde genommen ist (wie z.B. mit dem hier beschriebenen 360° Scanning), bleibt das Problem, aus einem Testergebnis von vielen Einzelfunktionen in der meist knapp bemessenen Zeit eine für den Einzelnen brauchbare Aussage abzuleiten. Die in der Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik auch heute noch populäre Tendenz, differenziertere Aussagen zu vermeiden und sich lieber auf Globalmerkmale zu reduzieren (z.B. auf drei oder fünf Persönlichkeitsfaktoren oder auf Globalkonstrukte wie „Selbstwirksamkeit"), ist im Grunde eine klare, wenn auch verständliche Kapitulation vor der Komplexität der unüberschaubaren Vielfalt potenziell relevanter Persönlichkeitsmerkmale. Das für das 360° Scanning ausgearbeitete Assessment sowie Coaching- und Trainingskonzept (www.scan-up.de und www.impart.de) geht einen anderen Weg: Speziell ausgebildete psychologische Experten analysieren die individuell erhobenen Messwerte für die vielen Mikrofunktionskomponenten und identifizieren dann diejenigen Persönlichkeitsfunktionen, die für den Einzelnen von besonderer Bedeutung sind. Dadurch wird der für die praktische Umsetzung wichtige Vereinfachungsbedarf befriedigt, ohne dass auf Vereinfachungsillusionen zurückgegriffen wird. Das Auffinden eines für den Klienten einfach verstehbaren und bearbeitbaren „Angelpunkts“, der viele Besonderheiten der jeweiligen Person erklärt, wird durch die enge Anbindung an eine neue Prozesstheorie der Persönlichkeit (PSI-Theorie) ermöglicht.

2003

Diagnostik von Motivation und Selbstkonzept

Der Operante Motiv-Test (OMT): Ein neuer Ansatz zur Messung impliziter Motive [The Operant Motive Test (OMT): A new approach to the assessment of implicit motives]

Kuhl, J., Scheffer, D., & Eichstaedt, J.

Menschliche Motive sind komplexe hypothetische Konstrukte, die sich offenbar über die individuelle Selbsteinschätzung nur unzureichend erfassen lassen. Dieser implizite Charakter von menschlichen Motiven wie dem Leistungs-, Macht-, oder Bindungsmotiv lässt sich zum einen durch ihren empirisch nachgewiesenen frühkindlichen Entwicklungsverlauf begründen. Wir halten es daher für wesentlich, dass eine Motivmessung entwicklungspsychologisch konzeptionalisiert ist. Zum anderen lässt sich der implizite Charakter von Motiven, aber auch durch die Komplexität der zugrundeliegenden Wissensbasis dieses Konstruktes begründen, welche einer einfachen Introspektion Grenzen setzt. Ein Motiv beinhaltet unserer Auffassung nach neben sozialen Bedürfnissen, welche sich u.a., in früher Kindheit gebildet haben können, auch eine handlungsregulatorische Komponente, welche die Umsetzung der Bedürfnisse steuert oder kanalisiert. Neuere kognitionspsychologische Befunde legen nahe, dass das Wissen über Systemverbindungen zwischen unterschiedlichen Subsystemen der Persönlichkeit wie Bedürfnissen, handlungsregulatorischen und Wahrnehmungsprozessen implizit ist. Durch die Persönlichkeits-Interaktions-Theorie versuchen wir, die Vielfalt der Befunde in der Motivationsforschung zu integrieren und den impliziten Charakter von Motiven funktionsanalytisch zu begründen.

2002

Acta Paediatrica

Brain damage markers in children. Neurobiological and clinical aspects

Leviton, A., & Dammann, O.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1080/080352502753457851

The presence in blood of proteins normally confined to the cytoplasm of brain cells is considered peripheral evidence of brain damage. Only recently have these proteins been measured in the blood of children at risk of brain damage. To show the value and limitations of measuring these proteins, we review their biology and the adult literature that has correlated the blood concentrations of these proteins with lesion size and dysfunction.
CONCLUSION:
We conclude that brain damage markers will increasingly be measured in the blood of newborns and other children at risk of brain damage.

Wirtschaftspsychologie

Eine neue Ära des Motivations-Assessments in der Personalentwicklung. [A new era for motivation assessment in personnel development]

Kuhl, J.

Die meisten Menschen spüren sehr gut, ob Aussagen über ihre Persönlichkeit den Kern treffen und ob sie detailliert genug sind, um aus ihnen konkrete Folgerungen für Veränderungen ihres Alltagshandelns abzuleiten. Weil traditionelle Persönlichkeitstests in ihren Aussagen meist zu allgemein bleiben und ihnen entsprechend wenig praktische Relevanz zugetraut wird, wurde bislang von vielen Experten aus der Praxis eher der sparsame Gebrauch dieser Verfahren und die Optimierung der Arbeitsumgebung angeraten. Diese einseitige Beachtung von Umgebungsfaktoren ist inzwischen überholt: Es gibt neue Methoden der Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik, die so spezifische Aussagen ermöglichen, dass sie ganz neue Chancen für den Einsatz in der Praxis eröffnen.

1998

Motivation and self-regulation across the life span

Decomposing self-regulation and self-control: The volitional components inventory

Kuhl, J., Fuhrmann, A.

Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511527869.003

Introduces a questionnaire, the Volitional Components Inventory (VCI), based on a theory of volition. This theory postulates 2 different modes of volition: self-control and self-regulation. According to the central assumption underlying the questionnaire, volitional processes have to be seen in conjunction with processes relating the "self" (the integrated and implicit representation of a person's experiences, beliefs, and needs) to individual goals and others' expectations. Specific issues addressed include: a theory of volition; the development of self-control and self-regulation; a personality framework for the study of volition; decomposing volition in subjective experience; a detailed overview of the internal structure of the instrument; basic functions within the self-regulatory mode of volition; basic functions within the self-control mode of volition; volitional self-reflection; inhibition of volitional competences under stressful or demanding conditions: state orientation; scales assessing symptoms of spontaneous control; empirical findings; and VCI correlates of the Big Five Personality Dimensions.

1997

Giornale italiano di psicologia.

Orientamento all’azione e personalità [Action orientation and personality].

Caprara, G.V., Barbaranelli, C.,Conrado, M.R., & Kuhl, J.

The present contribution examines the validation in the Italian context of the Action Control Scale (ACS) developed by Kuhl (1991) in the German context. The scale measures three constructs (preoccupation, hesitation, volatility) that can influence the fulfillment of own's intentions. The validity of the scale has been examined by means of principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Both analyses supported a three factor solution, confirming the results of the German original sample. However, the reliability of the three scales was not totally satisfactory. Furthermore analysis the relation between the ACS and the Big Five was investigated. Three multiple regression analyses identified Emotional Stability and Energy as the main personality correlates of the action control.

1993

The German Journal of Psychology

Self-Regulation: Psychometric properties of a computer-aided instrument

Kuhl, J., & Kraska, K.

Explored the psychometric properties of a new computer-aided instrument (the Self-Regulation Test for Children) for assessing self-regulatory competences in children. A longitudinal study was conducted with 188 German children (mean age 8 yrs 5 mo). The new instrument has sufficient internal consistency, substantial temporal stability, and promising validity as evidenced by theoretically expected relationships between test scores and teachers' ratings of classroom behavior. Implications for using the new instrument both for diagnostic purposes with individual children (including planning of therapy) and for scientific purposes (e.g., exploring the causes and effects of self-regulatory abilities) are discussed.

1992

Epidemiology

Fletcher’s Paradox

Dammann, O., Karmaus, W.

Coughlin and Pickle recently suggested the use of a lambda statistic in addition to sensitivity and specificity when interpreting screening test results in comparison with those of a “gold standard” to assess the validity of the screening test. We would like to expand on their discussion.

1985

Zeitschrift für Sozialpsychologie

Handlungspsychologie: Vom Experimentieren mit Perspektiven zu Perspektiven fürs Experimentieren [The psychology of action: From experimenting with perspectives to perspectives for experimenting]

Kuhl, J., Waldmann, M.

States that current experimental research does not fully exploit the heuristic power of psychological theories of action. The paucity of experimental research guided by action-theoretical approaches is partly attributed to the impact of several metatheoretical positions according to which many elements of action theories are not amenable to experimental testing. Four theories of action are discussed, and experimental research suggested by each of these approaches is illustrated. Typical problems arising when complex theories are tested empirically are also considered.