Research

My research broadly focusses on how people perceive and behave toward people of different social groups.

Face perception

In one line of research, I  investigate the cognitive mechanisms underlying perception and recognition of ingroup and outgroup faces.  To this means, I am applying different experimental-psychological methods such as computer-based reaction time measures and eye-tracking methodology.

Stereotypes, prejudice and discriminatory behavior

In another line of research, I am investigating the influence of threat-related stereotypes on behavior. In one project, we have conducted studies in cooperation with the Akademie der Polizei Hamburg. Further, we are conducting studies in the computer lab and in virtual reality.

Regional bias

In addition to studying individual psychology, I am interested in how prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination manifest at regional levels. Questions I am interested in are why are discriminatory outcomes different between regions, how are they linked to residents prejudice and stereotypes, and what are historical antecedents of regional bias.