BACKGROUND:Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections is crucial for public health policy, vaccine development, and long-term disease management. However, data on reinfections in the general population remains scarce. OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics among Austrian blood donors, representing healthy adults, over two years following primary infection and to evaluate the reinfection risk. METHODS:117,895 blood donations were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 total anti-N levels from June 2020 to December 2023. We examined anti-N and anti-S antibody dynamics and in vitro functionality in 230 study participants at five defined times during 24 months, assessing associations with demographics, vaccination status, and reinfection awareness. RESULTS:The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection-derived anti-N antibodies increased over time, reaching 90% by February 2023 and remaining at that level since then. According to serological screenings, we found an 88% reinfection rate, which is in contrast to participants' reports indicating a reinfection rate of 59%. Our data further reveal that about 26% of reinfections went completely unnoticed. Antibody dynamics were independent of age, sex, and ABO blood group. Interestingly, individuals with multiple reinfections reported symptoms more frequently during their primary infection. Our results further show that vaccination modestly affected reinfection risk and disease course. CONCLUSION:SARS-CoV-2 reinfections were uncommon until the end of 2021 but became common with the advent of Omicron. This study highlights the underestimation of reinfection rates in healthy adults and underscores the need for continued surveillance, which is an important support for public health policies and intervention strategies.

The aim of this research is to analyse the relevance of speed response and its regulation for learning. In order to avoid the biases of self-reports, we used a computerized objective test, The Category Learning Test (CLT). It measures the student’s actual behaviour while completing a learning task. In the first study ( N = 41), we found that university students that achieved a high learning index performed slower than their mates did ( t (37) = −4.05, p < .001, η 2 = .307). Therefore, acting too fast was associated with poor performance in the task. In the second study ( N = 184), we divided the sample into two groups and we applied a speed limit to the intervention group in order to promote learning. The intervention group achieved a higher learning index than the control group ( t (129) = −8.36, p < .001, η 2 = .298). Hence, the speed limit fostered learning. Therefore, regulation of the speed may be appropriate to foster learning.

Reasoning ability has commonly been regarded as the best predictor of academic and occupational success. Due to concerns about the validity of multiple-choice (MC) formats, test security breaches, and the fact that the difficulty levels of most existing reasoning assessments target the population mean, there is a constant need for new reliable and valid test instruments that can be applied to assess fluid intelligence in advanced cognitive performance areas. We developed a novel computerized figural matrices test to assess nonverbal reasoning for university student aptitude assessment. In two studies, we generated, revised, and empirically validated the Isometric Matrices Test (IMT). Our results show that the IMT is less prone to test-wiseness strategies than existing reasoning tests. In a third study, we created and evaluated an innovative Find the Mistake (FtM) response format as an alternative to classical multiple-choice formats. Overall, both response formats revealed satisfactory psychometric quality in terms of item difficulties and discrimination, test-retest reliability, construct and criterion validity, and Rasch or two-parameter logistic (2PL) model fit, but in one MC version, the internal consistency was low due to negative discrimination indices. The MC response format turned out to be easier than the FtM format, with men slightly outperforming women in both response modes. We propose the IMT as a useful tool for assessing nonverbal reasoning ability in above-average performance areas and discuss the automatic generation of larger IMT item pools for adaptive testing in order to increase test security and reliability.

Fachgruppe Differentielle Psychologie, Persönlichkeitspsychologie und psychologische DiagnostikBerufungsverfahren unter einer diagnostischen Perspektive fundiert durchführenTuulia Ortner, André Kretzschmar, John F. Rauthmann, and Ana N. TibubosTuulia OrtnerUniv.-Prof. Dr. Mag. Tuulia Ortner, Abteilung Psychologische Diagnostik, Fachbereich Psychologie, Universität Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Österreich, [email protected]Fachbereich Psychologie, Universität Salzburg, ÖsterreichSearch for more papers by this author, André KretzschmarPsychologisches Institut, Universität Zürich, SchweizSearch for more papers by this author, John F. RauthmannDepartment Psychologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, DeutschlandSearch for more papers by this author, and Ana N. TibubosFachbereich Pflegewissenschaft, Universität Trier, DeutschlandSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:July 27, 2023https://doi.org/10.1026/0033-3042/a000638PDFView Full Text ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInReddit SectionsMoreLiteraturAbele-Brehm, A. E. & Bühner, M. (2016). : Überlegungen zur Optimierung von Berufungsverfahren in der Psychologie. Psychologische Rundschau, 67, 262 – 275. First citation in articleLink, Google ScholarArbeitskreis Assessment-Center e., V. (2004). Standards der Assessment-Center Technik 2004. Verfügbar unter: http://www.arbeitskreis-ac.de/index.php/component/content/article/41-standards/150-standards-der-assessment-center-technik-2004.html First citation in articleGoogle ScholarBrembs, B., Button, K. & Munafò, M. (2013). Deep impact: unintended consequences of journal rank. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7. First citation in articleCrossref, Google ScholarDeutsches Institut für Normung. (2016). Anforderungen an berufsbezogene Eignungsdiagnostik (DIN 33430:2016 – 07). Berlin: Beuth-Verlag. First citation in articleGoogle ScholarElson, M., Fiedler, S., Kirsch, P. & Stahl, J. (2021). Verstösse gegen die wissenschaftliche Integrität in der deutschen akademischen Psychologie. Ergebnisse einer Umfrage des Ombudsgremiums der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychologie (DGPs). Verfügbar unter: https://www.dgps.de/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF/Ombudsgremium/Bericht_des_DGPs-Ombudsgremiums_20210728.pdf , [09. 05. 2023] First citation in articleGoogle ScholarGeraci, L., Balsis, S. & Busch, A. J. B. (2015). Gender and the h index in psychology. Scientometrics, 105, 2023 – 2034. First citation in articleCrossref, Google ScholarLozano, G. A., Larivière, V. & Gingras, Y. (2012). The weakening relationship between the impact factor and papers’ citations in the digital age. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 63, 2140 – 2145. First citation in articleCrossref, Google ScholarSimons, K. (2008). The Misused Impact Factor. Science, 322(5899), 165 – 165. First citation in articleCrossref, Google ScholarFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Diskussionsforum: Empfehlungen zur Bewertung wissenschaftlicher Leistungen bei Berufungsverfahren in der Psychologie Volume 74Issue 3Juli 2023 ISSN: 0033-3042eISSN: 2190-6238 History Licenses & Copyright© 2023Hogrefe VerlagPDF download

Reasoning ability has commonly been regarded as the best predictor of academic and occupational success. Due to concerns about the validity of multiple-choice (MC) formats, test security breaches, and the fact that the difficulty levels of most existing reasoning assessments target the population mean, there is a constant need for new reliable and valid test instruments that can be applied to assess fluid intelligence in advanced cognitive performance areas. We developed a novel computerized figural matrices test to assess nonverbal reasoning for university student aptitude assessment. In two studies, we generated, revised, and empirically validated the Isometric Matrices Test (IMT). Our results show that the IMT is less prone to test-wiseness strategies than existing reasoning tests. In a third study, we created and evaluated an innovative Find the Mistake (FtM) response format as an alternative to classical multiple-choice formats. Overall, both response formats revealed satisfactory psychometric quality in terms of item difficulties and discrimination, test-retest reliability, construct and criterion validity, and Rasch or two-parameter logistic (2PL) model fit, but in one MC version, the internal consistency was low due to negative discrimination indices. The MC response format turned out to be easier than the FtM format, with men slightly outperforming women in both response modes. We propose the IMT as a useful tool for assessing nonverbal reasoning ability in above-average performance areas and discuss the automatic generation of larger IMT item pools for adaptive testing in order to increase test security and reliability.

Psychological achievement and aptitude tests are fundamental elements of the everyday school, academic and professional lives of students, instructors, job applicants, researchers and policymakers. In line with growing demands for fair psychological assessment tools, we aimed to identify psychometric features of tests, test situations and test-taker characteristics that may contribute to the emergence of test bias. Multi-level random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate mean effect sizes for differences and relations between scores from achievement or aptitude measures with open-ended (OE) versus closed-ended (CE) response formats. Results from 102 primary studies with 392 effect sizes revealed positive relations between CE and OE assessments (mean r = 0.67, 95% CI [0.57; 0.76]), with negative pooled effect sizes for the difference between the two response formats (mean d av = -0.65; 95% CI [-0.78; -0.53]). Significantly higher scores were obtained on CE exams. Stem-equivalency of items, low-stakes test situations, written short answer OE question types, studies conducted outside the United States and before the year 2000, and test-takers' achievement motivation and sex were at least partially associated with smaller differences and/or larger relations between scores from OE and CE formats. Limitations and the results' implications for practitioners in achievement and aptitude testing are discussed.

Purpose Post-COVID-19-Syndrome (PCS) frequently occurs after an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the understanding of causative mechanisms is still limited. Aim of this study was to determine the PCS rate among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive blood donors as representatives of supposedly healthy adults, who had experienced an asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 disease course, and to examine whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is reactivated in individuals reporting PCS. Methods The PCS rate was determined using questionnaires that included questions about infection and persistent symptoms. Pre-pandemic blood samples and samples collected at regular, pre-defined times after a SARS-CoV-2 infection were analysed for neopterin, a marker for antiviral immune responses, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, we determined the rate of SARS-CoV-2 anti-N total antibodies using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect EBV DNA and ECLIA screening for EBV viral capsid-antigen (VCA) IgM, IgG and EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA) IgG were performed. Results Our data reveal that 18% of all infections result in PCS, with symptoms lasting for up to one year. In individuals reporting PCS, no elevated levels of neopterin were detected, indicating no persisting pro-inflammatory, antiviral immune response. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were declining in all participants in comparable manner over time, pointing to a successful virus clearance. In individuals with PCS, no EBV DNA could be detected. Furthermore, no differences in EBV specific antibody levels could be shown in PCS groups compared to non-PCS groups. Conclusion Our data suggest that PCS in per se healthy, immunocompetent adults cannot be ascribed to a reactivation of EBV.

We conducted multilevel random effects meta-analyses to estimate mean effect sizes for 15 personality characteristic groups as predictors of the success of plane and helicopter pilot training. We integrated results from 25 primary studies with a total of 283 effect sizes, including several newer studies that were not previously included in meta-analyses. Pilot training success exhibited small significant positive relationships with conscientiousness and self-confidence and a small negative association with neuroticism. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the moderating effects of four variables. Criterion type was a significant moderator of the relationship between conscientiousness and success, whereas the year of publication did not moderate the association between personality and training success. We descriptively examined two potential moderators: aviation field and personality test type. Limitations with respect to the interpretation of the results and implications for future aviation selection research and practice are discussed with reference to self-report versus objective personality measurement.

The developmental course of antibodies produced after a SARS-CoV-2 infection has been insufficiently investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels against the viral nucleocapsid- and spike-protein among Austrian blood donors as a representative group of a supposedly healthy population within the first year after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The impact of age, sex, vaccination status, AB0-blood group and awareness about the infection was evaluated. Our study shows that the level of anti-N antibodies is declining, while anti-S antibody levels remain stable. Antibodies detected were functional in vitro. Age, sex and blood group do not influence antibody dynamics. However, blood group AB shows significantly lower antibody levels and in vitro functionality compared to other blood groups. Our data reveal that one out of five individuals was not aware of a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and that the disease course neither affects the level of antibody production nor the in vitro functionality. We also found that 14% of participants show persisting COVID-19-related symptoms for up to nine months. Our results provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the immune response after a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a representative cohort of adult blood donors in Central Europe.

Performance on achievement tests is characterized by an interplay of different individual attributes such as personality traits, motivation or cognitive styles. However, the prediction of individuals’ performance from classical self–report personality measures obtained during large and comprehensive aptitude assessments is biased by, for example, subjective response tendencies. This study goes beyond by using behavioural data based on two different types of tasks, requiring different conscientious–related response behaviours. Moreover, a typological approach is proposed, which includes different behavioural indicators to obtain information on complex personality characteristics. © 2020 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology

Reasoning is regarded to be an essential facet of fundamental cognitive abilities. As examinee characteristics may affect performance in Reasoning tests, concern about maintaining fairness is expressed. The purpose of the current study was to examine effects of response format on psychometric properties and fairness of a matrices test according to examinee's sex, risk propensity, and test anxiety. A total of 433 German-speaking pupils (aged 14-20) were randomly assigned to either a multiple choice or a free response version of the same 25-item test. Data analysis yielded Rasch-homogeneous 23-item versions, with higher reliability, but lower criterion validity for the free response test. No interactions between response format and sex, test anxiety, or risk propensity were revealed, but a significant main effect of sex: men out-performed women in reasoning irrespective of response format. Results are discussed with reference to attributes of the test situation and sample characteristics.

Since the 1920s, psychologists have sought to assess the sex- and gender-related attributes of men and women, including primarily aspects of personality and focusing on positive characteristics. In this paper, we introduce a new questionnaire for assessing gender-related attributes with a broader approach than provided by previous ones. Therefore, the questionnaire includes (a) not only personality traits but also cognitions and interests and (b) not only positive but also negative and neutral characteristics. Two independent datasets were acquired (Study 1: N = 1,466; Study 2: N = 471) for development and psychometric analyses. Factor analysis confirmed a hierarchical structure with two separate dimensions of masculinity and femininity overarching the multiple first-order domains of personality, cognition, and interests. Analyses of reliability and convergence with other gender identity and personality scales revealed sufficient values. The new instrument discriminated between the biological sexes and was related to the gender quotas in participants' occupations and social environments, thus providing evidence for criterion-related validity. Therefore, we propose the Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS) as a useful tool for objectively assessing gender-related attributes across multiple facets in gender and sex-difference research.

The hierarchical model of van der Linden is the most popular model for responses and response times in tests. It is composed of two separate submodels-one for the responses and one for the response times-that are joined at a higher level. The submodel for the response times is based on the lognormal distribution. The lognormal distribution is a skew distribution with a support from zero to infinity. Such a support is unrealistic as the solution process demands a minimal processing time that sets a response time threshold. Ignoring this response time threshold misspecifies the model and threatens the validity of model-based inferences. In this article, the response time model of van der Linden is replaced by a model that is based on the three-parameter lognormal distribution. The three-parameter lognormal distribution extends the lognormal distribution by an additional location parameter that bounds the support away from zero. Two different approaches to model fitting are proposed and evaluated with regard to parameter recovery in a simulation study. The extended model is applied to two data sets. In both data sets, the extension improves the fit of the hierarchical model.