Themen für Bachelorarbeiten

Beschreibung: Episodic memory is not just a passive store but comprises multiple processes and stages. As we age, memory performance changes. But the distinct contributions of different memory stages (such as encoding vs. retrieval) are less well understood. Both memory stages likely share overlapping neurophysiological structures which tend to be affected early by age-related cognitive decline. Yet, the distinct effects of cognitive aging on encoding versus retrieval are less well understood. Fergus Craik (1986) developed a framework, according to which age-related decline on a given memory task depends on the available environmental support: Age effects should thus be larger in free recall tasks and relatively smaller in associative, or recognition tasks.
Based on Craik?s framework, this bachelor thesis should review the empirical literature on age effects on different retrieval conditions. Additionally, the thesis should explore an additional moderating factor, such as the personal relevance of information, to understand how it might influence the effects of environmental support on the decline of retrieval capabilities associated with aging.

Cadar, D., Usher. M., & Davelaar, E.J. (2018). Age-Related Deficits in Memory Encoding and Retrieval in Word List Free Recall. Brain Sci, 8(12):211. doi: 10.3390/brainsci8120211

Craik, F.I.M. (1986). A functional account of age differences in memory. Human memory and cognitive capabilities. In: Memory, Attention, and Aging. Routledge.
Kontakt: Jasmin Brummer, MSc, E-Mail

Beschreibung: Exhaustion is a common experience in people's daily life. Moreover, people engage in different leisure activities to recover after an exhausting day at work and be fresh the day after. However, limited studies focus on daily fluctuations in exhaustion and recovery processes investigating different sources of variation in day-to-day experiences. This bachelor's thesis aims to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on exhaustion studies, utilizing the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and Ecological Momentary Assessment. The primary objectives include providing a comprehensive overview of various methods and results.

Chawla, N., MacGowan, R. L., Gabriel, A. S., & Podsakoff, N. P. (2020). Unplugging or staying connected? Examining the nature, antecedents, and consequences of profiles of daily recovery experiences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(1), 19.
Kontakt: Beatrice Tarapoanca, MSc, E-Mail

Beschreibung: Ob das Ergebnis einer Entscheidung als Gewinn oder Verlust wahrgenommen wird, hängt von unseren Zielen oder Referenzpunkten ab. Motivationale Veränderungen im höheren Erwachsenenalter beeinflussen somit auch Entscheidungs- und Urteilsprozesse. Diese Arbeit soll einen Überblick über die Forschung zu altersbezogenen Unterschieden in Erwartungen und Referenzpunkten (und damit der Beurteilung von Gewinnen und Verlusten) bei Entscheidungsprozessen geben und die empirische Forschung zu diesem Thema berücksichtigen.

Heath, C., Larrick, R. P., & Wu, G. (1999). Goals as reference points. Cognitive Psychology, 38(1), 79-109.
Kontakt: Dr. Sebastian Horn, E-Mail

Beschreibung: Prosocial behavior has been explored by diverse theoretical frameworks and underlying mechanisms that may emphasize either intentions, costs and benefits or societal context. The absence of a unified consensus on the definition of prosociality persists, leaving the existence of a common ground open to interpretation. Yet, it is imperative to appreciate the benefits inherent in the multitude of conceptualizations and definitions of prosociality, each tailored to the unique demands of different fields. This bachelor's thesis aims to overview various conceptualizations of prosociality from literature and experimentally investigate the (dis)advantages associated with multiple definitions versus a shared conceptual ground for prosociality.

Pfattheicher, S., Nielsen, Y. A., & Thielmann, I. (2022). Prosocial behavior and altruism: A review of concepts and definitions. Current opinion in psychology, 44, 124-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.08.021
Kontakt: Dr. Sae In Lee, E-Mail

Beschreibung: Video games are commonly depicted as entertaining and enjoyable activities, occasionally serving as recreational outlets even within the workplace, contributing to significant levels of recovery experience (Reinecke, 2009). Yet, the demanding nature of video games, with online gamers dedicating an average of 20 hours per week, often goes unnoticed. This bachelor's thesis aims to conduct a systematic literature review exploring the intricate relationship between video games and experiences of recovery and exhaustion.

Reinecke, L. (2009). Games at work: The recreational use of computer games during working hours. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12(4), 461-465.
Yee, N. (2006). The labor of fun: How video games blur the boundaries of work and play. Games and culture, 1(1), 68-71.
Kontakt: Beatrice Tarapoanca, MSc, E-Mail