The concept of the Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) was proposed in 1905 and its key features are hard work, asceticism, and success. The main unanswered question in the context of PWE is its relation...Show moreThe concept of the Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) was proposed in 1905 and its key features are hard work, asceticism, and success. The main unanswered question in the context of PWE is its relation to demographic variables. Relationships between PWE and demographic variables are still not clear. The current study aims to answer the research question: “How do demographic variables influence the Protestant Work Ethic?” To address this question, the thesis proposes a single-factor model of PWE, which is assessed on five demographic variables: formal education, age, family size, marital status, and religion. Groups were created for each of the five variables in order to assess their relationship with PWE. For the statistical analysis, multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) was used and measurement invariance was evaluated in order to account for the differences between the groups. Based on the academic literature five hypotheses were created on the basis of model fit, factor loadings, and predicted factor scores. Only two of the hypotheses were partially supported (religion and family size) due to consistently higher factor loadings. Patterns were observed across most of the groups. Lower-educated participants exhibit distaste for leisure time, while more educated participants tend to be more hard-working. Religious people tend to endorse PWE less. Participants with more siblings endorse PWE more. Young participants tend to be more success-oriented, compared to single participants and middle-aged participants who are more hardworking. Future research should be focused on the area of demographics, the differences between religions in the context of a multidimensional factor model of PWE, and testing measurement invariance.Show less
Machiavellianism is one of the three Dark Triad traits and entails a manipulative and deceptive personality. Previous research has shown that people with strong Machiavellian traits have a...Show moreMachiavellianism is one of the three Dark Triad traits and entails a manipulative and deceptive personality. Previous research has shown that people with strong Machiavellian traits have a preference for short-term relationships. If they do enter a long-term relationship, this relationship tends to last, partly due to manipulative tactics. A commonly used test is the MACH-IV, which contains three dimensions: Interpersonal Tactics, Cynical View of Human Nature, and Utilitarian Morality. In this study, these dimensions are treated as a three-factor model. The aim of this study is to see whether the three-factor model is appropriate for different marital statuses (Never Married”, “Currently Married”, and “Previously Married”). It was expected that “Never Married” would have the best model fit and the highest factor loadings and factor scores, followed by “Currently Married”, and then “Previously Married” with the worst fit and lowest factor loadings and factor scores. Tests were calculated with the use of a large, open-source dataset (N = 73,489). The goodness-of-fit scores of the separate groups were estimated and the results showed poor fit. An inspection of the factor loadings revealed that the group “Previously Married” obtained the highest factor loadings. The results of an ANOVA of the mean factor scores showed mixed results and no conclusive evidence for the hypotheses. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the interpersonal relationships of Machiavellian people and although the results of this study were inconclusive, it only further highlights our need for more research in this area.Show less
In this work, we use electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) to create superconducting structures. This is then applied in the fabrication of superconducting devices, which are characterized in low...Show moreIn this work, we use electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) to create superconducting structures. This is then applied in the fabrication of superconducting devices, which are characterized in low-temperature experiments.Show less
