An irt-based model for dichotomous longitudinal data

The LLRA (linear logistic model with relaxed assumptions; Fischer, 1974, 1977a, 1977b, 1983a) was developed, within the framework of generalized Rasch models, for assessing change in dichotomous item score matrices between two points in time; it allows to quantify change on latent trait dimensions and to explain change in terms of treatment effects, treatment interactions, and a trend effect. A remarkable feature of the model is that unidimensionality of the item set is not required. The present paper extends this model to designs with any number of time points and even with different sets of items presented on different occasions, provided that one unidimensional subscale is available per latent trait. Thus unidimensionality assumptions within subscales are combined with multidimensionality of the item set. Conditional maximum likelihood methods for parameter estimation and hypothesis testing are developed, and a necessary and sufficient condition for unique identification of the model, given the data, is derived. Finally, a sample application is presented.To my friend Josef Roppert who has taught me how to apply statistical reasoning to substantive problems.This research was supported in part by Österreichische Forschungsgemeinschaft under grant No. 01/0054. The author wishes to thank B. Wild for the numerical computation of the sample application in section 5.     

Stress conceptions in life event research: Towards a person-centred perspective

The present article focuses on a discussion of the theoretical foundations of life event research. Since critical life events are usually regarded as stressful events, the main question is which concepts of stress are employed in different life event approaches and what is their rationale. The discussion centres on two topics that have to be treated independently: the question of specificity vs nonspecificity and the question of individualized vs normative weightings. It is shown that different life event approaches rely on different concepts of stress. Numerous objections lead to a rejection of the nonspecificity concept and a normative proceeding. However, even when a specificity view of stress is advocated and individual weights are used, life stress measures do not account for a substantial proportion of the variance in the stress-related dependent variables. Therefore, a reorientation of life event research is required. It is proposed that future life event research should concentrate on the individual meaning of events and adequately consider the time dimension as well CIS processes of coping.     

Veröffentlichungen Österreichischer Wissenschaftstheoretiker

Journal for General Philosophy of Science -     

Binaural processing of temporal and intensity cues: Suggestions for a one-system model

Summary Models of auditory localization-lateralization assume either a single or different neural systems for the processing of binaural time delay and intensity differences. An experiment was conducted, making use of the effect of sensory adaptation. The results are in favour of assuming a single system which processes both temporal and intensity cues in binaural stimulation.     

Beyond Mood and Atmosphere: a Conceptual History of the Term Stimmung

Philosophia - The last few years have seen increasing research interest in moods and atmospheres. While this trend has been accompanied by growing interest in the history of the word Stimmung in...     

Correction to: Exploring Latent Profiles of Psychopathology in a Sample of Lonely People Seeking Treatment

Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment -