Maria Montessorigebouw in het voorjaar
Maria Montessorigebouw in het voorjaar

Research

The Behavioural Science Institute is a multidisciplinary research institute. Our research crosses the boundaries of psychology, pedagogical sciences, educational sciences, and communication science. The BSI has seven research programmes covering three key themes: human development, connection, and health. We conduct fundamental and applied/translational research and have excellent facilities and support for lab and field research.

Childs hand placing coloured blocks

Research themes

Development

In this research theme, we focus primarily on the development and learning of infants, children, and adolescents. We study (1) social development in social contexts, (2) individual differences in learning and education, and (3) health behaviours. We aim to uncover the processes underlying social-cognitive, motor, and health development as well as the difference between and within individuals over time. Using these insights, we develop and tailor preventive interventions for infants, children and adolescents.

hands on a table

Connection 

Within this theme, we seek to understand how and why relationships flourish or worsen. We also study how the characteristics and attributes of social relationships impact behaviour, health, and overall well-being. We focus on several connection types, ranging from close relationships in everyday life to those in formal settings and human-technology relationships.

Person jogging on stairs

Health

In this theme, we study psychopathology, mental well-being, and health behaviours,  such as physical exercise, sedentary behaviour, healthy eating, smoking or alcohol abuse. In doing so, we aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of mental health and health-related behaviours and to develop evidence-based preventive and treatment interventions.

Projects

Logo Koersen op Kansengelijkheid

Aiming for equality of educational opportunities

In this project, it is explored how various educational actors address inequality of opportunities in education, and we investigate whether a 'serious policy game' can contribute to improved collaboration.

Brainstorm

The Predictive Value of Brain Excitation Levels for Electrical Brain Stimulation

This multi-site research project replicates the SHARP program and investigates the role of excitatory/inhibitory levels in the brain in the effectiveness of electrical stimulation for cognitive training.

Kind voor een krijtbord met wiskundige teksten

The EMOTIV (EEG) project

Investigating children's numerical development using the EMOTIV EPOC X headset in a school setting to enhance understanding and potential interventions for math-related challenges.