Research focus
Our research is dedicated to various facets of the responsible, human-centered design of intelligent technical systems as well as potential opportunities, risks and changes that arise from their use. The focus is on the following questions, among others:
- How can intelligent technology be adapted to the cognitive, affective and motivational states of users?
- How can intelligent technical systems take users' cognitive differences into account?
- In which ways can intelligent feedback promote self-regulated learning and work?
- How does the use of intelligent technical systems change us as humans, our society and the world of work?
- When do people trust intelligent technical systems?
- How can different target groups be sensitized to the potential risks of intelligent technical systems?
Ongoing dissertations
Highly gifted individuals often experience inaccurate and negatively connoted assumptions about their personality, achievement, and behavior, particularly in highly competitive domain contexts such as music. Especially teachers' implicit theories such as their stereotypical beliefs about musically highly gifted students may have significant effects within educational contexts due to their influence on teaching quality, teachers' and students' motivation, and students'socio-emotional as well as achievement development. Therefore, this dissertation examines (1) teachers' beliefs about musically highly gifted students and (2) their implications on promoting musical abilities with the aim to contribute to music teacher professionalization by raising awareness for related (potentially negative) dynamics.
This dissertation is conducted at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Prof. Dr. phil. Johannes Hasselhorn, Chair of Music Education and Didactics) in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart (Jun.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Maria Wirzberger, Department of Teaching and Learning with Intelligent Systems).
Consumer behavior is crucial for a change to a more sustainable world. To develop interventions that promote pro-environmental behavior, we need to shed light on cognitive mechanisms underneath sustainable thoughts and how they stimulate actions. Individual differences in the factors and cognitive mechanisms of sustainable behavior are under-explored. Therefore, this dissertation examines cognitive factors that influence sustainability using a mixture of psychological and computational methods. Hence, special attention will be paid to these individual factors through clustering and elaboration of personas. Since the practical implementation of measures that promote sustainable behavior is also to be improved, the possible application of the research results is also considered.
This dissertation is conducted within the GS SimTech in collaboration with the Robert Bosch GmbH.
Gamification is widely used in digital learning environments (DLE) to enhance learner motivation and engagement. This dissertation explores the effects of gamification in DLE, focusing on several key aspects.
We examined whether growth mindset feedback can positively influence a learner’s growth mindset, self-efficacy, performance, and motivation. Additionally, we investigate the role of gender and cultural stereotypes in shaping learning experiences.
Furthermore, this research systematically analyzes the impact of different gamified elements on motivation, performance, anxiety, and emotional engagement. We also explore how these effects vary across different genders and cultures, providing valuable insights into the design of inclusive and effective gamified learning environments.
By understanding these dynamics, we aim to inform the development of more effective gamification strategies that foster meaningful learning experiences for all learners.
This dissertation is conducted within the Artificial Intelligence Software Academy (AISA) in co-supervision with Prof. Dr. Steffen Becker.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing field. Intelligent systems such as AI-powered chatbots, autonomous vehicles, and virtual assistants for example, are becoming increasingly prevalent and indispensable in our daily lives. Despite the many benefits of AI, that make our lives easier, more productive and convenient, there are also concerns about its impact on society. Some people over-rely on AI in their daily tasks and others do not trust these new technologies at all. However, as we rely more and more on these systems, it is essential to understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying human trust in them. Trust is a complex phenomenon, shaped by various factors, i.e., transparency, risk and loss, emotions, biases, cognitive dissonance, expectations and many more. In order to create a cognitive model to predict trust in AI, as part of this project, these factors influencing trust need to be explored and analyzed further. Through experimental studies, this research aims to explore the cognitive mechanisms of trust in intelligent systems as well as the effect of manipulating these variables.
This dissertation is conducted within the GS SimTech and the Interchange Forum for Reflecting on Intelligent Systems (IRIS).
Ongoing projects
Project focus
The interdisciplinary postdoctoral research group TEIFUN is researching the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) in school teaching and learning processes. The aim is to develop evidence-based concepts for the sustainable improvement of teaching quality. TEIFUN is supported by the Professional School of Education Stuttgart-Ludwigsburg (PSE) and the Tübingen School of Education (TüSE).
The research training group combines interdisciplinary basic research with practical didactic orientation in order to overcome the prevailing laboratory orientation in educational research. It creates an interface between educational science, subject didactics and computer science and promotes the systematic integration of innovative technologies in school teaching settings.
A special feature of TEIFUN is the cross-location collaboration between the two Schools of Education and the connection to Cyber Valley, Europe's largest AI research cluster. As a result, both postdoctoral researchers and teacher education as a whole benefit from excellent cutting-edge research in the fields of machine learning, artificial intelligence and virtual/augmented reality. In addition to research, the research training group also inspires teaching and degree programs at the participating universities.
Duration
2024 - 2029
Cooperation (Project “Didactics of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science”)
- Steffen Becker (Software quality and architecture, University of Stuttgart)
- Heiko Holz (Computer science and didactics of computer science focusing on digitalisation in education, University of Education Ludwigsburg)
Funding
The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts.
Project focus
The SRF IRIS aims to create a platform to stimulate, develop and effect critical reflection on intelligent systems and their impact on society. The goal is to take up exchanges on sensitive topics such as responsible human-computer interaction, ethical and societal challenges, and the risks and benefits of automated decision-making in various fields of application, and to integrate them into the university landscape in research, teaching, and dialogue with society.
Duration
11/2020 - 12/2025
Cooperation
- Prof. Dr. André Bächtiger
- Prof. Dr. Reinhold Bauer
- Prof. Dr. Sibylle Baumbach
- Dr. Gabriella Lapesa
- Prof. Dr. Steffen Staab
(Executive Board of the SRF IRIS; all University of Stuttgart)
Funding
The project is funded by the excellence package of the German Research Foundation and the Research Council of the University of Stuttgart
Project focus
In the digit@L project, the University of Stuttgart aims to support students in their individual learning process with digitally enriched teaching-learning formats and adaptive systems in view of heterogeneous prerequisites. On the one hand, the focus is on students in the important first year of study and the group-specific differentiation of basic courses in digital settings. On the other hand, the University of Stuttgart is specifically expanding the competence profile of students and lecturers. In order to achieve these goals, the project builds and connects a didactic and (media) technical infrastructure for students and teachers. Taken together, this contributes to a culture of digital innovation.
Duration
08/2021 - 07/2025
Cooperation (Subproject SKILLS - Work packages M2.1, M2.4)
Funding
The project is funded by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education.
Project focus
The goal of the AISA project is to impart competencies in AI methods and software engineering to students at the University of Stuttgart across all fields of study, aligned with the particular needs of the target group. In addition to the pure transfer of knowledge, there is a considerable need for research in the triangle of AI, software engineering and engineering applications, including the tailored design of didactic approaches in the field of AI software engineering. We are addressing this issue in the subproject "Perspectives on the didactic design of domain-specific AI competencies in the context of software engineering".
Duration
08/2021 - 12/2025
Cooperation
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Becker
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Felix Fritzen
- Prof. Dr. Steffen Staab
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Wortmann
- Jun.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Wortmann
(Executive Board; all University of Stuttgart)
Funding
The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Project focus
Artificial intelligence (AI) influences all areas of our lives as a key technology. This project investigates how it can enrich our society in three subject areas that are being intensively shaped, if not revolutionized, by AI: diversity, demography, and democracy. In addition to three junior research groups, the project provides seed funding for several research projects.
Duration
04/2022 - 12/2026
Cooperation
Prof. Dr. Steffen Staab (University of Stuttgart, Institute for Parallel and Distributed Systems)
Funding
The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Completed projects
Project focus
Emerging from the EXC 2075 committee "Platform of Reflection", this project aimed to develop a deeper understanding of systemic structures that govern dynamics of AI adoption within society and organizations, which helped to identify potential risks and opportunities, as well as propose actionable policies that will work for the betterment of our socio-economic systems. The project investigated this topic through conceptual analysis, system dynamics modeling and computer simulation, and laboratory experiments.
Duration
02/2023 - 01/2025
Cooperation
(Platform of Reflection; all University of Stuttgart)
Funding
The project was funded by the German Research Foundation within the Cluster of Excellence "Data-Integrated Simulation Science" (EXC 2075).
BeeCreative - Fostering awareness for sustainability with a creative AI-based educational technology
The BeeCreative project aimed to integrate real nature experiences with technology-supported creativity processes to foster awareness for biodiversity. Urbanly integrated information boards were combined with an interactive AI-based sketchbook to create an innovative learning experience for a broad public.
Duration
01/2023 - 12/2024
Funding
The project was funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung in cooperation with the Heidehof Stiftung in the funding scheme "Learning sustainabilty – children design future".
Project focus
The project IKILeUS aimed to bundle the existing expertise of many collaborating departments on AI in order to both communicate AI to the breadth of the student body in an interdisciplinary view and to use AI-based technologies in teaching to relieve the burden on teachers and to improve teaching. The topics were addressed with a focus on specific courses and software solutions, while at the same time looking at further potential of other user groups and areas.
Duration
12/2021 - 11/2024
Cooperation
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Resch, High Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS)
- Prof. Dr. Bernd Zinn, Institute of Educational Science (IfE)
- Dr.-Ing. Daniel Roth, Institute for Engineering Design and Industrial Design (IKTD)
- Prof. Dr. Steffen Staab, Institute for Parallel and Distributed Systems (IPVS)
- Dr. Andreas Kaminski, Institute for High-Performance Computing (IHR)
- Prof. Dr. Stefan Wagner, Institute of Software Engineering (ISTE)
- Prof. Dr. Alexander Brem, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI)
Funding
The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the funding scheme "AI in Higher Education".
Project focus
The UFO project aimed to promote occupational participation particularly for people with enhanced needs for socio-emotional support. By developing a novel training system building up competencies in the perception and interpretation of emotional states was supported. The system captured brain signals and converts derived emotional states into tangible sensory perceptions. A tactile output enabled understanding the emotional state of the interacting counterpart. A virtual environment provided a safe training space that was precisely support the needs of the target group. The approach contributed to social awareness and promotes empathy and mutual understanding in the society.
Duration (Project participation)
09/2021 - 08/2024
Cooperation
- Institute of Educational Science (IfE), Department of Vocational Education focused on Teaching Technology
- Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management (IAT)
- Fraunhofer IAO
- auticon GmbH
- NIRx GmbH
- Sensovo GmbH
Funding
The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the funding scheme "Interactive systems in virtual and real environments - Innovative technologies for the digital society".
Project focus
In our project "BeeLife", we developed an intelligent app with accompanying project workshops for schools to sensitize children and adolescents for the importance of wild bees for our ecosystem.
Duration
12/2020 - 05/2023
Cooperation
Prof. Dr. Günter Daniel Rey (Chemnitz University of Technology)
Funding
The project was funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation.
Project focus
The MIkado project provided systematic insights into cognitive and affective facets of individual learning processes. The central goal was the systematic analysis of the interaction between cognitive and affective processes depending on the chosen indicatorization. In contrast to the predominance of artificial laboratory contexts, the project focused on cognitive-affective interactions in application-oriented task settings.
Duration
10/2020 - 09/2022
Cooperation
Prof. Dr. Kristina Kögler (University of Stuttgart)
Funding
The project was funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Wuerttemberg and the Research Council of the University of Stuttgart.
Project focus
The project focuses on the conception, implementation and evaluation of the Youth Study Baden-Wuerttemberg 2022 in cooperation with the State Pupil Advisory Council.
Duration
08/2021 - 07/2022
Cooperation
(all University of Stuttgart)
Funding
The project is funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Project focus
The goal of the International Research Training Group 2198 "Soft Tissue Robotics" was to further develop simulation techniques and sensors to enable the development of new control techniques for robots interacting with soft materials.
Duration (Participation as Principal Investigator)
09/2020 - 08/2021
Cooperation
- Prof. Dr. Oliver Röhrle (Spokesperson of the IRTG 2198, University of Stuttgart)
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute (University of Auckland, New Zealand)
Funding
The IRTG 2198 "Soft Tissue Robotics" was funded by the German Research Foundation.
Project focus
The goal of the ACTrain project was to develop and evaluate a prototype for an AI-based training software that strengthens attentional control based on metacognitive feedback.
Duration
07/2019 - 03/2021
Cooperation
Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Tübingen Campus
Funding
The project was funded by the Cyber Valley Research Fund.