Department of General Psychology and Biopsychology

Motivation and Emotion — these two concepts have to do with the question as to why we behave the way we do. An important area of research in this vein is the development of motivation and emotion during childhood. To analyze these processes, we use experimental and explorative methods, such as biopsychological techniques and real-time location systems. It is importatnt to us to analyze natural behavior in everyday situations. Moreover, in 2009 (and ongoing) we started a longitudinal prevention study in which students become mentors for children, to promote their motivational and emotional competencies (Further information about the project is available at Huckepack Kinderförderung). In this vein, we cooperate with many organizations related to child- und youth support in Chemnitz and all over Saxonia. The project has been repeatedly awarded, as for example with the „Leuchtturm-Preis“ by the 'Ravensburger Stiftung‘.