Research Topics
Much of our research focuses on identifying the neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying individual differences in general intelligence. In particular, we are investigating how interactions between processes and properties of the cognitive system such as mental speed, attention, executive functions, and working memory give rise to individual differences in intelligence.
To achieve this goal, we employ a variety of neuro-cognitive methods. We use an experimental approach to determine how experimental or pharmaceutical manipulations of specific processes affect cognitive functions and general intelligence. Moreover, we use neurophysiological methods to study the biological basis of mental abilities. The method we most frequently use for the study of brain activity is the electroencephalogram (EEG), which gives us detailed information about the ongoing stream of neural information processing. Finally, we employ mathematical models of cognition to identify process parameters differing between individuals.
Current Projects
- Scientific Network grant (2020-2023): "Neurocognitive Psychometrics" (ffunded by the German Research Foundation - DFG, SCHU 3266/2-1; with Daniel Schneider, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors Dortmund, und Gidon T. Frischkorn, University of Zurich)
- Project grant (2020-2023): "Neurocognitive psychometrics of individual differences in attentional processes in working memory" (funded by the elite programme for postdocs of the Baden-Württemberg Foundation)
- Project grant (2018-2021): "Neurocognitive process parameters of cognitive abilities" (funded by the German Research Foundation - DFG, SCHU 3266/1-1)
- Assessing the relationship between mental speed and general intelligence on a neuro-cognitive level (more information)
- Experimental manipulation of attention and executive functions (more information)
- Mathematical modeling of individual differences in cognition (more information)
- The neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying rational thinking
Past Projects
- Individual differences in affect and temperament
- The interaction of emotion processing and cognitive functions (in particular attention)
- Individual differences in change blindness
- Psychophysiological responses to aesthetic stimuli
- Physiological measurement problems