Working memory ability, suggestibility and conflict monitoring: On psychometrics and the nomological network

This study investigates psychometric properties and construct validity of the German online Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 1 (GSS 1). In Study 1, N = 206 participants performed the online GSS 1. The number of immediately, correctly recalled details of the GSS 1 story indicated sufficient psychometric properties and was negatively correlated with suggestibility subscales (Yield 1, Yield 2, and Shift). In Study 2, N = 101 participants performed the online GSS 1, the online working memory ability test of the Intelligence-Structure-Test 2000 R, and the online Conflict-Monitoring-Questionnaire (CMQ-28). Individual differences of working memory ability measured by means of GSS 1 story recall and the Intelligence-Structure-Test 2000 R emerged to be convergent constructs. Individual differences of working memory ability and suggestibility are diverging constructs correlating either negatively or non-significantly. Individual differences of suggestibility and CMQ-28 subscales are widely diverging constructs correlating mainly non-significantly despite sufficient a-priori calculated sample size. The present results on individual differences of working memory ability, suggestibility and CMQ-conflict monitoring contribute to the investigation of convergent and discriminant validity in a non-forensic domain with a low level of social pressure. Neuro-cognitive mechanisms of these performance and personality dimensions remain to be investigated.