The research carried out in the Psychology Research Institute is strongly oriented towards a basic empirical approach of the major themes in psychology. Research predominantly focuses on theoretical, mechanistic explanations of normal and abnormal human behavior. Although on a smaller scale, most research programs also address issues in more applied contexts. This long-standing research orientation is also characteristic of the teaching programs offered by the School of Psychology.
One of the consequences of this research orientation is the need for adequate methodological and technical facilities. Therefore, substantial financial efforts are invested in maintaining and upgrading the extensive laboratory infra-structure of the Institute. A major advantage of this up-to-date infra-structure is the attraction on other research groups, inside and outside of the Institute. In this way intra- and interdisciplinary cross-links already have been established and still are developing between our research programs and those of (neuro-) biology, medicine, environmental sciences and mathematics.
