Dietrich Klusmann

Sexual Motivation and the Duration of Partnership

The variation of sexual motivation with duration of partnership is analyzed in data from a survey of German students. The sample of 1865 includes only students aged 19–32 who reported to be heterosexual and to live in a steady partnership. Main results are (1) sexual activity and sexual satisfaction decline in women and men as the duration of partnership increases; (2) sexual desire only declines in women; and (3) desire for tenderness declines in men and rises in women. Because these results are based on cross-sectional data, a longitudinal explanation is precarious. Individual differences in mating strategy associated with the probability of having a partnership of shorter or longer duration at the time of the survey may account for some part of the findings. This possibility set aside, post hoc explanations for the results as reflecting a modal time course of partnership are evaluated with regard to habituation, routine, gender role prescriptions, and polarization of roles. In addition, an explanation from evolutionary psychology is offered, entailing the following ideas: the psychological mechanisms of attachment in an adult pair bond have evolved from the parent–child bond. Due to this nonsexual origin, a stable pair-bond does not require high levels of sexual desire, after an initial phase of infatuation has passed. Nevertheless, male sexual desire should stay at a high level because it was selected for in evolutionary history as a precaution against the risk of sperm competition. The course of female sexual desire is assumed to reflect an adaptive function: to boost attachment in order to establish the bond.

Criminal Recidivism in Sexual Homicide Perpetrators

Forensic psychiatric reports on 166 sexual homicide perpetrators in Germany were retrospectively analyzed for criminal risk factors. Follow-up information about release and reconvictions from federal criminal records was available for 139 offenders; 90 (64.7%) had been released. The estimated recidivism rate (Kaplan—Meier analyses) for 20 years at risk was 23.1% for sexual and 18.3% for nonsexual violent reoffences. Three men (3.3%) were reconvicted for attempted or completed homicide. Only young age at the time of sexual homicide resulted in higher sexual recidivism, whereas increased nonsexual violent recidivism was related to previous sexual and nonsexual delinquency, psychopathic symptoms, and higher scores in risk assessment instruments. Increased recidivism with any violent reoffence was associated with age-related factors: young age at first sexual offence, at homicide, and at release and duration of detention. The impacts of the results for risk assessment, relapse prevention, and supervision are discussed.

Changes in adolescents' sexuality between 1970 and 1990 in West-Germany.

Based on two studies (using semistructured interviews) of 16- and 17-year-old West German urban adolescents, the first in 1970N * 602) and the second in 1990 (N * 415), this paper traces the changes in young peoples sexual behavior and attitudes during the past two decades: (i) The marked trend in the 1960s towards having coitus and petting at an ever earlier age does not seem to have continued; the changes noted in the incidence of heterosexual experiences since 1970 are minimal. (ii) Boys feel themselves less at the mercy of their sexual urges than they used to and tend to link sexuality with love and a steady relationship more than they did 20 years ago; there was a similar though less pronounced change among girls. (iii) Girls now get less pleasure and satisfaction out of sexual encounters, and in heterosexual situations take the initiative and control more than they used to. (iv) There is no evidence that the problem HIV/AIDs had a marked influence on the changes described. Results of the comparative studies are discussed in the context of current developments in man/woman relationships and the debate on gender issues.

Dimensionality and predictive validity of the HAM-Nat, a test of natural sciences for medical school admission

BackgroundKnowledge in natural sciences generally predicts study performance in the first two years of the medical curriculum. In order to reduce delay and dropout in the preclinical years, Hamburg Medical School decided to develop a natural science test (HAM-Nat) for student selection. In the present study, two different approaches to scale construction are presented: a unidimensional scale and a scale composed of three subject specific dimensions. Their psychometric properties and relations to academic success are compared.Methods334 first year medical students of the 2006 cohort responded to 52 multiple choice items from biology, physics, and chemistry. For the construction of scales we generated two random subsamples, one for development and one for validation. In the development sample, unidimensional item sets were extracted from the item pool by means of weighted least squares (WLS) factor analysis, and subsequently fitted to the Rasch model. In the validation sample, the scales were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and, again, Rasch modelling. The outcome measure was academic success after two years.ResultsAlthough the correlational structure within the item set is weak, a unidimensional scale could be fitted to the Rasch model. However, psychometric properties of this scale deteriorated in the validation sample. A model with three highly correlated subject specific factors performed better. All summary scales predicted academic success with an odds ratio of about 2.0. Prediction was independent of high school grades and there was a slight tendency for prediction to be better in females than in males.ConclusionsA model separating biology, physics, and chemistry into different Rasch scales seems to be more suitable for item bank development than a unidimensional model, even when these scales are highly correlated and enter into a global score. When such a combination scale is used to select the upper quartile of applicants, the proportion of successful completion of the curriculum after two years is expected to rise substantially.

Wer wird ein guter Arzt

ZusammenfassungSeit 2005 können die deutschen Universitäten etwa 60% ihrer Medizin- und Zahnmedizinstudienplätze nach selbst gewählten Verfahren vergeben. 2008 ergaben die Auswahlverfahren ein buntes Bild: Einige Universitäten verwendeten ausschließlich die Abiturnote, andere zogen zusätzlich in unterschiedlicher Kombination Auswahlgespräche, Testverfahren, absolvierte Berufsausbildung oder Belege für wissenschaftliches, kulturelles oder soziales Engagement hinzu. Lediglich für die Abiturnote und einige Studierfähigkeitstests zeigen viele Studien eine akzeptable prognostische Validität zumindest in Bezug auf den Studienerfolg. Die Validität von Auswahlgesprächen oder anderen Merkmalen zur Messung nichtkognitiver Merkmale konnte nicht hinreichend belegt werden. In aktuellen Studien an den Medizinischen Fakultäten Hamburg und Heidelberg werden Prädiktoren wie ein Naturwissenschaftstest, die Abiturnote oder eine abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung beziehungsweise ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr auf ihre prognostische Validität untersucht. Wir empfehlen, in Auswahlverfahren neben der Abiturnote auch die Ergebnisse studienfachspezifischer schriftlicher, in der Zahnmedizin auch praktischer Tests, zu verwenden. Auswahlgespräche könnten sinnvoll sein, um Studienbewerbern die Wichtigkeit nichtkognitiver Eigenschaften zu vermitteln und sie stärker an die Fakultät zu binden.AbstractSince 2005, German universities are free to select 60% of their freshmen according to their own admission processes. In 2008, selection of medical students in Germany was mainly based on grades achieved in final school examinations (Abiturnote). Further criteria were used in various combinations: some medical schools conducted interviews or tests, while others rewarded work experience, research awards, or cultural and social dedication. However, solely high school grades and some measures of ability show acceptable validity coefficients with regard to academic and professional success. Evidence for the prognostic validity of interviews and other noncognitive criteria cannot be regarded as sufficient. Recent studies conducted in Hamburg and Heidelberg attempt to validate selection criteria such as a test of natural sciences, final school examination grades, work experience, and voluntary work in the social sector. For the selection of medical students, we recommend the use of final school examination grades in combination with special written test results or, in the case of dentistry, a test of manual dexterity. Interviews might be beneficial to emphasize the importance of non-academic skills and to strengthen the ties of students to their faculty.Since 2005, German universities are free to select 60% of their freshmen according to their own admission processes. In 2008, selection of medical students in Germany was mainly based on grades achieved in final school examinations (Abiturnote). Further criteria were used in various combinations: some medical schools conducted interviews or tests, while others rewarded work experience, research awards, or cultural and social dedication. However, solely high school grades and some measures of ability show acceptable validity coefficients with regard to academic and professional success. Evidence for the prognostic validity of interviews and other noncognitive criteria cannot be regarded as sufficient. Recent studies conducted in Hamburg and Heidelberg attempt to validate selection criteria such as a test of natural sciences, final school examination grades, work experience, and voluntary work in the social sector. For the selection of medical students, we recommend the use of final school examination grades in combination with special written test results or, in the case of dentistry, a test of manual dexterity. Interviews might be beneficial to emphasize the importance of non-academic skills and to strengthen the ties of students to their faculty.

[Who will be a good physician? : Admission procedures for medical and dental students.]

ZusammenfassungSeit 2005 können die deutschen Universitäten etwa 60% ihrer Medizin- und Zahnmedizinstudienplätze nach selbst gewählten Verfahren vergeben. 2008 ergaben die Auswahlverfahren ein buntes Bild: Einige Universitäten verwendeten ausschließlich die Abiturnote, andere zogen zusätzlich in unterschiedlicher Kombination Auswahlgespräche, Testverfahren, absolvierte Berufsausbildung oder Belege für wissenschaftliches, kulturelles oder soziales Engagement hinzu. Lediglich für die Abiturnote und einige Studierfähigkeitstests zeigen viele Studien eine akzeptable prognostische Validität zumindest in Bezug auf den Studienerfolg. Die Validität von Auswahlgesprächen oder anderen Merkmalen zur Messung nichtkognitiver Merkmale konnte nicht hinreichend belegt werden. In aktuellen Studien an den Medizinischen Fakultäten Hamburg und Heidelberg werden Prädiktoren wie ein Naturwissenschaftstest, die Abiturnote oder eine abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung beziehungsweise ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr auf ihre prognostische Validität untersucht. Wir empfehlen, in Auswahlverfahren neben der Abiturnote auch die Ergebnisse studienfachspezifischer schriftlicher, in der Zahnmedizin auch praktischer Tests, zu verwenden. Auswahlgespräche könnten sinnvoll sein, um Studienbewerbern die Wichtigkeit nichtkognitiver Eigenschaften zu vermitteln und sie stärker an die Fakultät zu binden.AbstractSince 2005, German universities are free to select 60% of their freshmen according to their own admission processes. In 2008, selection of medical students in Germany was mainly based on grades achieved in final school examinations (Abiturnote). Further criteria were used in various combinations: some medical schools conducted interviews or tests, while others rewarded work experience, research awards, or cultural and social dedication. However, solely high school grades and some measures of ability show acceptable validity coefficients with regard to academic and professional success. Evidence for the prognostic validity of interviews and other noncognitive criteria cannot be regarded as sufficient. Recent studies conducted in Hamburg and Heidelberg attempt to validate selection criteria such as a test of natural sciences, final school examination grades, work experience, and voluntary work in the social sector. For the selection of medical students, we recommend the use of final school examination grades in combination with special written test results or, in the case of dentistry, a test of manual dexterity. Interviews might be beneficial to emphasize the importance of non-academic skills and to strengthen the ties of students to their faculty.Since 2005, German universities are free to select 60% of their freshmen according to their own admission processes. In 2008, selection of medical students in Germany was mainly based on grades achieved in final school examinations (Abiturnote). Further criteria were used in various combinations: some medical schools conducted interviews or tests, while others rewarded work experience, research awards, or cultural and social dedication. However, solely high school grades and some measures of ability show acceptable validity coefficients with regard to academic and professional success. Evidence for the prognostic validity of interviews and other noncognitive criteria cannot be regarded as sufficient. Recent studies conducted in Hamburg and Heidelberg attempt to validate selection criteria such as a test of natural sciences, final school examination grades, work experience, and voluntary work in the social sector. For the selection of medical students, we recommend the use of final school examination grades in combination with special written test results or, in the case of dentistry, a test of manual dexterity. Interviews might be beneficial to emphasize the importance of non-academic skills and to strengthen the ties of students to their faculty.

Correcting the predictive validity of a selection test for the effect of indirect range restriction

BackgroundThe validity of selection tests is underestimated if it is determined by simply calculating the predictor-outcome correlation found in the admitted group. This correlation is usually attenuated by two factors: (1) the combination of selection variables which can compensate for each other and (2) range restriction in predictor and outcome due to the absence of outcome measures for rejected applicants.MethodsHere we demonstrate the logic of these artifacts in a situation typical for student selection tests and compare four different methods for their correction: two formulas for the correction of direct and indirect range restriction, expectation maximization algorithm (EM) and multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE). First we show with simulated data how a realistic estimation of predictive validity could be achieved; second we apply the same methods to empirical data from one medical school.ResultsThe results of the four methods are very similar except for the direct range restriction formula which underestimated validity.ConclusionFor practical purposes Thorndike’s case C formula is a relatively straightforward solution to the range restriction problem, provided distributional assumptions are met. With EM and MICE more precision is obtained when distributional requirements are not met, but access to a sophisticated statistical package such as R is needed. The use of true score correlation has its own problems and does not seem to provide a better correction than other methods.

Are Exam Questions Known in Advance? Using Local Dependence to Detect Cheating

Cheating is a common phenomenon in high stakes admission, licensing and university exams and threatens their validity. To detect if some exam questions had been affected by cheating, we simulated how data would look like if some test takers possessed item preknowledge: Responses to a small number of items were set to correct for 1–10% of test takers. Item difficulty, item discrimination, item fit, and local dependence were computed using an IRT 2PL model. Then changes in these item properties from the non-compromised to the compromised dataset were scrutinized for their sensitivity to item preknowledge. A decline in the discrimination parameter compared with previous test versions and an increase in local item dependence turned out to be the most sensitive indicators of item preknowledge. A multiplicative combination of shifts in item discrimination, item difficulty, and local item dependence detected item preknowledge with a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of .95 if 11 of 80 items were preknown to 10% of the test takers. Cheating groups smaller than 5% of the test takers were not detected reliably. In the discussion, we outline an effective search for items affected by cheating, which would enable faculty staff without IRT knowledge to detect compromised items and exclude them from scoring.

Wer wird ein guter Arzt?@@@Who will be a good physician?: Verfahren zur Auswahl von Studierenden der Human- und Zahnmedizin@@@Admission procedures for medical and dental students

ZusammenfassungSeit 2005 können die deutschen Universitäten etwa 60% ihrer Medizin- und Zahnmedizinstudienplätze nach selbst gewählten Verfahren vergeben. 2008 ergaben die Auswahlverfahren ein buntes Bild: Einige Universitäten verwendeten ausschließlich die Abiturnote, andere zogen zusätzlich in unterschiedlicher Kombination Auswahlgespräche, Testverfahren, absolvierte Berufsausbildung oder Belege für wissenschaftliches, kulturelles oder soziales Engagement hinzu. Lediglich für die Abiturnote und einige Studierfähigkeitstests zeigen viele Studien eine akzeptable prognostische Validität zumindest in Bezug auf den Studienerfolg. Die Validität von Auswahlgesprächen oder anderen Merkmalen zur Messung nichtkognitiver Merkmale konnte nicht hinreichend belegt werden. In aktuellen Studien an den Medizinischen Fakultäten Hamburg und Heidelberg werden Prädiktoren wie ein Naturwissenschaftstest, die Abiturnote oder eine abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung beziehungsweise ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr auf ihre prognostische Validität untersucht. Wir empfehlen, in Auswahlverfahren neben der Abiturnote auch die Ergebnisse studienfachspezifischer schriftlicher, in der Zahnmedizin auch praktischer Tests, zu verwenden. Auswahlgespräche könnten sinnvoll sein, um Studienbewerbern die Wichtigkeit nichtkognitiver Eigenschaften zu vermitteln und sie stärker an die Fakultät zu binden.AbstractSince 2005, German universities are free to select 60% of their freshmen according to their own admission processes. In 2008, selection of medical students in Germany was mainly based on grades achieved in final school examinations (Abiturnote). Further criteria were used in various combinations: some medical schools conducted interviews or tests, while others rewarded work experience, research awards, or cultural and social dedication. However, solely high school grades and some measures of ability show acceptable validity coefficients with regard to academic and professional success. Evidence for the prognostic validity of interviews and other noncognitive criteria cannot be regarded as sufficient. Recent studies conducted in Hamburg and Heidelberg attempt to validate selection criteria such as a test of natural sciences, final school examination grades, work experience, and voluntary work in the social sector. For the selection of medical students, we recommend the use of final school examination grades in combination with special written test results or, in the case of dentistry, a test of manual dexterity. Interviews might be beneficial to emphasize the importance of non-academic skills and to strengthen the ties of students to their faculty.Since 2005, German universities are free to select 60% of their freshmen according to their own admission processes. In 2008, selection of medical students in Germany was mainly based on grades achieved in final school examinations (Abiturnote). Further criteria were used in various combinations: some medical schools conducted interviews or tests, while others rewarded work experience, research awards, or cultural and social dedication. However, solely high school grades and some measures of ability show acceptable validity coefficients with regard to academic and professional success. Evidence for the prognostic validity of interviews and other noncognitive criteria cannot be regarded as sufficient. Recent studies conducted in Hamburg and Heidelberg attempt to validate selection criteria such as a test of natural sciences, final school examination grades, work experience, and voluntary work in the social sector. For the selection of medical students, we recommend the use of final school examination grades in combination with special written test results or, in the case of dentistry, a test of manual dexterity. Interviews might be beneficial to emphasize the importance of non-academic skills and to strengthen the ties of students to their faculty.