Learning how to do scientific research is an important topic in the study programme of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Luxembourg. Students learn how to conduct a literature review, how to plan and perform empirical research, and how to present the results of their scientific endeavours. The presentation of results is part of the course Experimentalpsychologisches Praktikum (Expra), which is held in German, English, and French. In the Expra-Kongress, which concludes the Expra course, students introduce their studies to their fellow students, to the academic staff of the University of Luxembourg, and to the interested general public.
During the winter term 2019-20, students worked on a variety of research topics in the field of psychology that are both fascinating and relevant to the society.
The importance of the first empirical steps of Psychology students in the Expra is further emphasised by the invitation of a young but well-established colleague from the diverse fields of Psychology who will give a guest lecture. For this semester, we are happy that Prof. Anna E. Kornadt agreed to present her research. Prof. Kornadt has just joined the University of Luxembourg as Professor in Developmental Psychology. She is a developmental psychologist interested in factors that influence development across the life span with a focus on midlife and old age. More specifically, her research is on how views on aging influence developmental processes as well as the roles of personality and self-development in older age.
The title and abstract of Prof. Kornadt’s talk, which will be held in English, iFirst it’s “them”, then it’s “you”. How views on aging influence development across the life span
Even in younger years, we all have ideas about the characteristics of « old » people or what getting older means. Contrary to views on other outgroups (e.g., different nationalities or genders), however, our group membership changes as we get older ourselves – what was previously an outgroup becomes an one’s own ingroup over time. I will present how views on aging across the life span influence individual’s aging and what the mechanisms behind this influence may be. I will close by posing the question whether – and how – views on aging can be changed.
Web information for Prof. Kornadt: https://wwwen.uni.lu/research/flshase/inside/people/anna_kornadt
Contact:
Responsible for the organisation of the Expra-Kongress:
Course director of the BAP: Ass.-Prof. André Melzer
Mail: andre.melzer@uni.lu