Tuesday August 20
Wednesday August 21
Basics and Methods
Prof. Dr. Veronika Job | Prof. Dr. Oliver Schultheiss
The research on motivation and self-regulation is based on a multitude of experimental methods and paradigms, which have to be critically questioned and further developed. The robustness and generalizability of the results and models based on them must also be examined. For example, theories on the exhaustibility of willpower have stimulated important discussions in recent years on suitable measurement methods and the extension of theoretical models to include relevant mechanisms and determinants.
Block 1 gave participants insights into current research methods in social, cognitive and emotional psychology and discuss their role in the development of motivational theories. The workshops in this block were conducted by Prof. Dr. Veronika Job (TU Dresden) and Prof. Dr. Oliver Schultheiss (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg).
Thursday August 22
Friday August 23
Cognitive and Neurophysiological Processes
Prof. Dr. Thomas Goschke | Prof. Dr. Simone Schütz-Bosbach
The cognitive processes behind phenomena of motivation and self-regulation are dedicated to the "how" of motivated action and have always influenced research and theory building. While research has long been limited to observing behavior and analyzing reaction times to understand cognitive process, they can be more and more related to plausible neurophysiological variables and thus better understood. Technologies such as the measurement of eye movements or brain activity are now easy to use and provide insights into cognitive processes that would otherwise be difficult or indirect to capture.
Block 2 focused on paradigms for the study of cognitive processes with a special focus on neurophysiological correlates and the current state of research on the processes of selected motivational aspects (e.g., voluntary action, cognitive control). The workshops in this block were conducted by Prof. Dr. Thomas Goschke (TU Dresden) and Prof. Dr. Simone Schütz-Bosbach (LMU München).
Monday August 26
Tuesday August 27
Fields of Applications
Prof. Dr. Julia Schüler | Prof. Dr. Guido Hertel
Questions of motivation and self-regulation play a decisive role in many areas of application, from motivation at the workplace to dealing with effort in sport and achieving nutritional goals. An essential aspect of applied research is behavior change with the help of motivational-psychological and self-regulatory strategies (e.g., to develop goal-directed habits). However, applied research has to overcome challenges associated with investigating motivational constructs in the field and find effective ways of developing and conveying behavioral strategies.
Block 3 introduced participants to sports psychology as well as work and organisational psychology as two main fields of application. The workshops in this block were conducted by Prof. Dr. Julia Schüler (Universität Konstanz) and Prof. Dr. Guido Hertel (Universität Münster).
Friday August 23
Keynote
Prof. Dr. Peter Gollwitzer
In his keynote, Prof. Dr. Gollwitzer demonstrated that the goal concept is a powerful tool when it comes to creating theories that facilitate the understanding of phenomena that are at the center stage in the science of motivation.
Career Events
Prof. Dr. Guido Gendolla | Dr. Inge Schweiger Gallo
A successful career in motivation science depends not only on conducting good research, but also on many other aspects. At kis|mos, participants had the opportunity to discuss some of these aspects with experts. Prof. Dr. Guido Gendolla and Dr. Inge Schweiger Gallo were available for fireside chats about publishing in the motivational sciences and intercultural research, respectively, and provided insights into their experiences. In addition, there were events on the compatibility of career and family as well as on career planning.
Social Events
All participants
In addition to the focus on research and career, kis|mos also offered the opportunity to network with other young scientists and established researchers and enjoy the wonderful summer by the lake. This begins and ends with a dinner for all participants. During the week, we offered events such as a guided tour through the historic old town of Konstanz. In addition, there was a weekend program that included a trip to Meersburg and a canoe tour on Lake Constance.