Forschungsbereiche
Research areas
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Cognitive and affective mechanisms of internet addiction
We are investigating which cognitive and affective processes contribute to the development and maintenance of internet addictions. This includes addictive behaviours such as excessive gaming, online shopping, the intensive use of social networks or the consumption of online pornography. As part of the DFG research group ‘ACSID’ and the ‘PMOIC’ project, which is also funded by the DFG, we are investigating how these processes differ or are similar between the various forms of internet addiction. The aim is to understand the underlying mechanisms in order to develop more effective prevention and intervention approaches.
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Fundamental research
A central focus is on researching decision-making processes under uncertainty and risk. Using the Game of Dice Task (GDT) developed by us, we can systematically analyse how people make decisions under clearly defined probabilities. We analyse which cognitive and emotional processes underlie the decisions and how individual differences, such as impulsivity and compulsivity, influence behaviour.
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Human-technology interaction research
Our research findings also have practical applications in the design and optimisation of human-technology interactions. In the ‘BestMOD’ project, we are developing and simulating a model for hybrid on-demand mobility that enables sustainable and flexible mobility solutions. In the ‘CoboTank’ project, we are investigating the use of automated robotic systems to optimise logistics processes. With the ‘DARIA’ project, we are also contributing to the development of IT security solutions that are designed to improve the protection of privacy in digital environments in particular.
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Psychological aspects of media usage
Another research focus is on the sustainable, functional and age-appropriate use of digital media, particularly among children and young people. In the ‘RuhrNetwork’ project, we are analysing which factors promote healthy media use and how negative effects can be avoided. This work builds on an earlier co-operation with the State Media Authority and shows that this topic is still highly topical.
Research methods
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Experimental psychological approaches
Our experimental studies are closely orientated towards teaching and aim to better understand and explain fundamental psychological phenomena. By using controlled laboratory studies, we create valid conditions to systematically test hypotheses and gain new insights.
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(Functional) brain imaging
Thanks to our collaboration with the Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ELH), we have access to state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We use these methods, for example, to investigate the neuronal mechanisms of self-control in the context of gaming or the consumption of online pornography.
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(Development of) psychometric scales
The development and validation of our own psychometric instruments is another focus of our work. With the ‘Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorders’ (ACSID-11), for example, we have developed a screening tool based on the ICD-11 criteria for gaming disorders. This and many other scales such as CASBAS or the Permissive Beliefs Questionnaire (PBQ) help to better identify specific disorders and enable precise diagnoses.
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Eye tracking & other physiological measurements
To complement our experimental and neuropsychological studies, we also use physiological measurement methods. These include eye tracking, heart rate variability and skin conductance measurements, which give us insights into participants' unconscious processes and reactions. These methods expand our ability to capture cognitive and emotional mechanisms in real time.
Our research work is supported by numerous externally funded projects that link our findings on the fundamental mechanisms of cognition and behaviour with application-oriented questions. Further details on our externally funded projects can be found here.