Joachim Funke

Publications

• 2.77

  Impact points

  The Plan-a-Day approach to measuring planning ability in patients with schizophrenia.

  Daniel V Holt, Katlehn Rodewald, Mirjam Rentrop, Joachim Funke, Matthias Weisbrod, Stefan Kaiser

  Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS. 02/2011; 17(2):327-35.

  Deficits in executive functioning are closely related to the level of everyday functioning in patients with schizophrenia. However, many existing neuropsychological measures are limited in their ability to predict functional outcome. To contribute towards closing this gap, we developed a computer-ba... [more] Deficits in executive functioning are closely related to the level of everyday functioning in patients with schizophrenia. However, many existing neuropsychological measures are limited in their ability to predict functional outcome. To contribute towards closing this gap, we developed a computer-based test of planning ability ("Plan-a-Day") that requires participants to create daily activity schedules in a simulated work setting. Eighty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were tested with Plan-a-Day and a battery of cognitive ability tests. Plan-a-Day showed satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of consistency, reliability, and construct validity. Compared to other neuropsychological tests used in this study, it also demonstrated incremental validity with regard to the Global Assessment of Functioning. The Plan-a-Day approach, therefore, seems to represent a valid alternative for measuring planning ability in patients with executive function deficits, occupying a middle ground between traditional neuropsychological tests and real-life assessments.

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• 3.12

  Impact points

  Beyond IQ. A latent state trait analysis of general intelligence, dynamic decision making, and implicit learning

  D. Danner, D. Hagemann, A. Schankin, M. Hager, J. Funke

  Intelligence. 01/2011; 39:323-334.

  The present study investigated cognitive performance measures beyond IQ. In particular, we investigated the psychometric properties of dynamic decision making variables and implicit learning variables and their relation with general intelligence and professional success. N=173 employees from differe... [more] The present study investigated cognitive performance measures beyond IQ. In particular, we investigated the psychometric properties of dynamic decision making variables and implicit learning variables and their relation with general intelligence and professional success. N=173 employees from different companies and occupational groups completed two standard intelligence tests, two dynamic decision making tasks, and two implicit learning tasks at two measurement occasions. We used structural equation models to test latent-state-trait measurement models and the relation between constructs. The results suggest that dynamic decision making and implicit learning are substantially related with general intelligence. Furthermore, general intelligence is the best predictor for income, social status, and educational attainment. Dynamic decision making can predict supervisor ratings even beyond general intelligence.

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• Measuring performance in a complex problem solving task: Reliability and validity of the Tailorshop simulation

  D. Danner, D. Hagemann, D. V. Holt, M. Hager, A. Schankin, S. Wüstenberg, J. Funke

  Journal of Individual Differences. 01/2011; 32:225-233.

  The Tailorshop simulation is a computer based complex problem solving task in which participants have to lead a fictional company for twelve months. The present study investigated if the performance in the Tailorshop simulation can be measured reliably and validly. The participants were 156 employee... [more] The Tailorshop simulation is a computer based complex problem solving task in which participants have to lead a fictional company for twelve months. The present study investigated if the performance in the Tailorshop simulation can be measured reliably and validly. The participants were 156 employees from different companies. Structural equation models were used to test tau-congeneric and tau-equivalent measurement models. The results indicate that the trends of the total capital between the second and the twelfth month are reliable measurements. Furthermore, this measure can predict real-life job performance ratings by superiors and is associated with the performance in another complex problem solving task. Thus, the trend of the total capital provides a reliable and valid performance indicator for the Tailorshop simulation.

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• The challenge of complexity for cognitive systems.

  Ute Schmid, Marco Ragni, Cleotilde Gonzalez, Joachim Funke

  Cognitive Systems Research. 01/2011; 12:211-218.

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• Optimization as an Analysis Tool for Human Complex Problem Solving.

  Sebastian Sager, Carola M. Barth, Holger Diedam, Michael Engelhart, Joachim Funke

  SIAM Journal on Optimization. 01/2011; 21:936-959.

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• 1.83

  Impact points

  Planning and problem-solving training for patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.

  Katlehn Rodewald, Mirjam Rentrop, Daniel V Holt, Daniela Roesch-Ely, Matthias Backenstrass, Joachim Funke, Matthias Weisbrod, Stefan Kaiser

  BMC psychiatry. 01/2011; 11:73.

  The purpose of this study was to assess whether planning and problem-solving training is more effective in improving functional capacity in patients with schizophrenia than a training program addressing basic cognitive functions. Eighty-nine patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned either ... [more] The purpose of this study was to assess whether planning and problem-solving training is more effective in improving functional capacity in patients with schizophrenia than a training program addressing basic cognitive functions. Eighty-nine patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned either to a computer assisted training of planning and problem-solving or a training of basic cognition. Outcome variables included planning and problem-solving ability as well as functional capacity, which represents a proxy measure for functional outcome. Planning and problem-solving training improved one measure of planning and problem-solving more strongly than basic cognition training, while two other measures of planning did not show a differential effect. Participants in both groups improved over time in functional capacity. There was no differential effect of the interventions on functional capacity. A differential effect of targeting specific cognitive functions on functional capacity could not be established. Small differences on cognitive outcome variables indicate a potential for differential effects. This will have to be addressed in further research including longer treatment programs and other settings. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00507988.

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• 1.90

  Impact points

  Negative affective environments improve complex solving performance

  Barth, Carola M., Funke, Joachim

  Cognition and Emotion. 01/2010; 24:1259-1268.

  Based on recent affect-cognition theories (Bless et al., 1996; Fiedler, 2001; Sinclair, 1988), the present study predicts and shows a differentiated influence of nice and nasty environments on complex problem solving (CPS). Environments were constructed by manipulating the target value ‘capital’ of ... [more] Based on recent affect-cognition theories (Bless et al., 1996; Fiedler, 2001; Sinclair, 1988), the present study predicts and shows a differentiated influence of nice and nasty environments on complex problem solving (CPS). Environments were constructed by manipulating the target value ‘capital’ of a complex scenario: Participants in the nice environment (N = 42) easily raised the capital and received positive feedback, whereas those in the nasty environment (N = 42) hardly enhanced the capital and got negative feedback. The results showed that nasty environments increased negative and decreased positive affect. The reverse was true for nice environments. Furthermore, nasty environments influenced CPS by leading to a higher information retrieval and a better CPS performance. Surprisingly, the influence of environment on CPS was not mediated through affect (cf. Soldat & Sinclair, 2001), as recent affect-cognition theories suggest. The missing influence of affect and the strong impact of environment are discussed.

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• Complex problem solving: a case for complex cognition?

  Joachim Funke

  Cognitive processing. 11/2009;

  Complex problem solving (CPS) emerged in the last 30 years in Europe as a new part of the psychology of thinking and problem solving. This paper introduces into the field and provides a personal view. Also, related concepts like macrocognition or operative intelligence will be explained in this cont... [more] Complex problem solving (CPS) emerged in the last 30 years in Europe as a new part of the psychology of thinking and problem solving. This paper introduces into the field and provides a personal view. Also, related concepts like macrocognition or operative intelligence will be explained in this context. Two examples for the assessment of CPS, Tailorshop and MicroDYN, are presented to illustrate the concept by means of their measurement devices. Also, the relation of complex cognition and emotion in the CPS context is discussed. The question if CPS requires complex cognition is answered with a tentative "yes."

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• Introduction: The spatiality of creativity

  Peter Meusburger, Joachim Funke, Edgar Wunder

  01/2009;

  ISBN: 978-1-4020-9876-5

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• Milieus of creativity

  Peter Meusburger, Joachim Funke, Edgar Wunder

  01/2009;

  ISBN: 978-1-4020-9876-5

• What makes a problem complex? Factors determining difficulty in dynamic situations and implications for diagnosing complex problem solving competence

  Samuel Greiff, Joachim Funke

  01/2008: pages 199-200;

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• The perception of space from a psychological perspective

  Joachim Funke

  01/2007: pages 245-257;

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• The role of emotions in complex problem-solving

  Miriam Spering, Dietrich Wagener, Joachim Funke

  Cognition and Emotion. 01/2005; 19:1252-1261.

  The assumption that positive affect leads to a better performance in various cognitive tasks has become well established. We investigate whether positive and negative emotions influence performance and strategies in complex problem solving. 74 male and female university students were tested in an ex... [more] The assumption that positive affect leads to a better performance in various cognitive tasks has become well established. We investigate whether positive and negative emotions influence performance and strategies in complex problem solving. 74 male and female university students were tested in an experiment, using feedback-induced emotions and a computer-simulated scenario. Contrary to what has been expected, emotions did not affect success in scenario control. However, participants with negative emotions did show more information-oriented strategies in the scenario. We further tested whether control beliefs as a trait influence scenario control and moderate the relation between emotions and complex problem solving. Though only bearing a small effect on scenario control, control beliefs were shown to moderate the relation between emotions and complex problem solving: Participants with internal control beliefs benefited most from positive emotions, whereas participants with external control beliefs performed better when no emotions were induced. We argue that the moderating effect might be due to a motivating side effect of the emotion elicitation and suggest a different approach to test the affect-cognition link in complex problem solving.

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• The Role of Exploration and Forward Checking in Human Scheduling

  Stefani Nellen, Joachim Funke

  08/2002;

  g another appointment at the start), the number of different appointments placed at the start of a schedule ("Dif".), and negatively with the mean length ("ML") of the tried schedules. This pattern is consistent with exploration aimed at collecting a wide variety of experiences. ... [more] g another appointment at the start), the number of different appointments placed at the start of a schedule ("Dif".), and negatively with the mean length ("ML") of the tried schedules. This pattern is consistent with exploration aimed at collecting a wide variety of experiences. Table 1: Correlations between the number of schedule modifications and other process measures (explained in the text). Asterisks indicate significance at the level of p<.01 according to Fisher's Z test for correlations. (N=43) # of modifications PAD 4 # of Modifications PAD 5 R -.57*** -.461*** Dif .74*** .665*** ML .61*** .556*** Increase in forward checking The amount of forward checking in the data was assessed by computing the percentage of "deliberate" modifications that are performed before participants are too late at an appointment, relative to the total number of modifications. Table 2 shows the considerable increase of forward checking between the two PAD tasks. Table 2: Increase of the p

• Thinking and problem solving

  Peter A. Frensch, Joachim Funke

  01/2002;

• Planning behavior of frontal-lobe patients: A new diagnostic approach based on video-clips

  Joachim Funke

  International Journal of Psychology. 01/1996; 31:440.
• 2.45

  Impact points

  Negative correlations between control performance and verbalizable knowledge: indicators for implicit learning in process control tasks?

  A Buchner, J Funke, D C Berry

  The Quarterly journal of experimental psychology. A, Human experimental psychology. 03/1995; 48(1):166-87.

  Negative correlations between task performance in dynamic control tasks and verbalizable knowledge, as assessed by a post-task questionnaire, have been interpreted as dissociations that indicate two antagonistic modes of learning, one being "explicit", the other "implicit". This ... [more] Negative correlations between task performance in dynamic control tasks and verbalizable knowledge, as assessed by a post-task questionnaire, have been interpreted as dissociations that indicate two antagonistic modes of learning, one being "explicit", the other "implicit". This paper views the control tasks as finite-state automata and offers an alternative interpretation of these negative correlations. It is argued that "good controllers" observe fewer different state transitions and, consequently, can answer fewer post-task questions about system transitions than can "bad controllers". Two experiments demonstrate the validity of the argument by showing the predicted negative relationship between control performance and the number of explored state transitions, and the predicted positive relationship between the number of explored state transitions and questionnaire scores. However, the experiments also elucidate important boundary conditions for the critical effects. We discuss the implications of these findings, and of other problems arising from the process control paradigm, for conclusions about implicit versus explicit learning processes.

• Investigations into the organization of scripts

  Stefanie Grube-Unglaub, Jürgen Bredenkamp, Volkhard Fischer, Joachim Funke

  Swiss Journal of Psychology. 01/1995; 54:289-302.

  We conducted 4 experiments using 30 undergraduates in each to investigate 3 hypotheses concerned with typical and atypical script actions by means of an association technique called the phrase completion task. Using the V. Abbott et al (1985) model of script representation which postulates a sequent... [more] We conducted 4 experiments using 30 undergraduates in each to investigate 3 hypotheses concerned with typical and atypical script actions by means of an association technique called the phrase completion task. Using the V. Abbott et al (1985) model of script representation which postulates a sequential organization of scene headers and scene actions within the same category as well as in hierarchical relation to each other, the authors examine how knowledge structures are organized. The 1st hypothesis states that script-typical actions are sequentially organized, but could not be confirmed unequivocally. The 2nd hypothesis states that typical script actions are part of superordinate scenes or categories. Results distinctively support this hypothesis. The 3rd hypothesis states that atypical script-relevant events are part of the generic knowledge structure. Data also confirm this hypothesis. Disadvantages of the phrase completion task are discussed.

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• Complex problem solving: The European perspective

  Peter A. Frensch, Joachim Funke

  01/1995; Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

• [Discrete dynamic systems: the effect of perceptual structuring on composition and transfer of knowledge about operating sequences]

  B Müller, J Funke, A Buchner

  Zeitschrift für experimentelle und angewandte Psychologie. 02/1994; 41(3):443-72.

  This paper reports two experiments in which we explored the impact of perceptual grouping of elements on the organization and use of knowledge about how to operate a device. Experiment 1 explored the effects of different perceptual display regions on the creation of chunks when sequences of inputs h... [more] This paper reports two experiments in which we explored the impact of perceptual grouping of elements on the organization and use of knowledge about how to operate a device. Experiment 1 explored the effects of different perceptual display regions on the creation of chunks when sequences of inputs had to be reproduced. The effects of regions were not homogeneous, but rather their influence depended on interactions between different modalities and learning conditions. Experiment 2 investigated the influence of grouping-induced composition of knowledge elements on the transfer of sequential knowledge. Two different learning criteria were used in the acquisition phase to manipulate the degree of composition of knowledge elements. In the transfer phase, subjects could transfer (1) the whole sequence of one region, (2) two partial sequences of adjacent regions, or (3) single components. It was found that regional invariance and immediate succession of components were both important for transfer performance. These results suggests that the temporal order of regions is important for the organization and use of sequential knowledge, and not the grouping of elements by itself.