Katja Pässler

Katja Pässler serves as a Scientific Associate at the School of Applied Psychology at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). She has been working at the institution since October 2011 and is affiliated with the Institute for Humans in Complex Systems, which focuses on the interaction between people, technology, and organizations in the context of automation, digitalization, and technical networking.

Dr. Pässler completed her doctorate at the University of Hohenheim under Prof. Dr. Heinz Schuler and studied psychology at the University of Konstanz and the University of Exeter. Prior to her current position, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Konstanz (2008-2012) and as a consultant in personnel and management consultancy (2006-2008).

Her research focuses on the fundamentals of aptitude testing, including the fairness of ability tests, gender differences in professional interests, personality psychology in aptitude diagnostics, and validity studies. She also develops aptitude diagnostic procedures, particularly self-assessments available at www.self-assessment.ch. Her teaching spans Bachelor's and Master's programs in Applied Psychology, covering Differential and Personality Psychology, Questionnaire Development, and Advanced Statistical Methods, as well as continuing education programs.

Analysis of her recent publications (2015-2024) reveals a consistent focus on vocational interests, aptitude diagnostics, and the integration of digital tools in career counseling. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, particularly in student selection and career guidance. A significant portion of her research examines gender differences in vocational interests and STEM career choices, with several publications addressing the underrepresentation of women in technical fields.

Dr. Pässler actively collaborates with colleagues like Benjamin Hell and Tamara Mitrovic on projects related to online self-assessments and their implementation in counseling practice. Her research combines quantitative methods, meta-analyses, and practical validation studies to improve the effectiveness of career guidance tools.

She teaches in both degree programs and continuing education courses, including the CAS Basic Knowledge Psychology and MAS Career, Study and Career Counseling. Her work on self-assessment tools demonstrates a commitment to translating research into practical applications that benefit students and career seekers.

Dr. Pässler is involved with the Institute for Humans in Complex Systems, which addresses the challenges and opportunities of human-technology interaction in increasingly automated and networked environments. Her specific contributions focus on how psychological principles can inform the design and implementation of assessment tools in digital contexts.