research
Overview of primary research strands, theoretical frameworks, and core contributions.
1. Nonverbal Behavior, Emotion & Social Perception in Sport
This DFG funded research strand investigates how human emotions and nonverbal signals are communicated, perceived, and utilized in high-pressure athletic environments. Utilizing thin-slice methodology, 3D pose analysis, and body and Facial Action Coding (FACS), this work explores how body language, facial expressions, and emotional displays influence expectancy of success, impression formation, and strategic interactions between opponents, teammates, and coaches.
A key objective of this domain is to bridge basic social psychology and evolutionary theory with real-world application, demonstrating how nonverbal cues reveal underlying cognitive states (such as fatigue or confidence) and directly shape athletic performance across sports like soccer, darts, basketball, and tennis.
Selected Strand Publications
2026
2025
2024
- Chapter
- Chapter
2023
- Chapter
2022
2021
2020
- Chapter
- ChapterThe Psychology of Penalty Kicks: The Influence of Emotions on Penalty Taker and Goalkeeper PerformanceIn The Psychology of Soccer , 2020
2019
- Chapter
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2012
2. Executive Functions, Attention & Cognitive Load
This research line explores the cognitive architecture underlying elite human movement and tactical decision-making. Focusing on working memory capacity, visual attention, inattentional blindness, and dual-process models, the goal is to unravel how athletes process complex environmental stimuli while maintaining self-control under fatigue and cognitive load.
Additionally, this strand examines the boundaries of cognitive transfer and ego-depletion, critically evaluating how executive control mechanisms function in high-pressure performance contexts and driving rigorous methodological standards for assessing executive function across sport science.
Selected Strand Publications
2027
2026
2025
2023
2022
2018
2016
2015
2013
2012
2011
2010
- Beyond inattentional blindness and attentional misdirection: From attentional paradigms to attentional mechanismsConsciousness and Cognition , 2010
2007
3. Evolutionary Perspectives, Biocultural Models & Metascience
This interdisciplinary line uses evolutionary behavioral science to understand modern athletic competition as a window into human nature, physical play, and competitive signaling. Topics range from biocultural frameworks of play to evolutionary hypotheses explaining home ground territoriality.
Parallel to evolutionary theory, this strand emphasizes metascience and Open Science practices within sport psychology—critically examining replication validity (e.g., color effects and aggression), statistical power, sample sizes, and the relative utility of systematic versus narrative review formats.
Selected Strand Publications
2026
2023
2022
2021
2020
- Chapter
2019
2018
2016
4. Sport & Match Analysis
Focused on elite performance analysis, this research strand applies systematic video-notational methods, spatial analytics, and relative age effects in talent identification, and psychological profiling to understand decision-making under high stakes. Major areas of inquiry include the mechanical and psychological determinants of soccer penalty kicks, home advantage phenomena, and the objectivity of match analysis data used by elite coaching staff.
By evaluating parameters such as visuomotor calibration, pressure, and perceptual strategies in sports like soccer, tennis, and darts, this work bridges match data analytics with actionable insights for talent development and opponent preparation.
Selected Strand Publications
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
- Chapter
- Chapter
2020
2019
2017
2016
2015
5. Surf Science & Action Sports Psychology
Investigating the psychological and physiological aspects of surfing and adaptive action sports, this strand explores perceptual-cognitive expertise, motor asymmetry, and performance judging. Specific topics include laterality effects (Goofy vs. Regular stance), the influence of post-performance expressions ("claiming") on wave scoring, and adaptation patterns in Para surfing.