Cognition and cognitive science methodologies will significantly influence the public discussion in the nearer future in both, the scientific research endeavors themselves and their application in economically important high tech areas. Not only fundamental questions of our very own, i.e. human self-understanding are raised, but cognitive technologies are also the tools that are connected with considerable economic potentials and opportunities. This can be adumbrated by the current paradigm shift from conventional IT to cognitive technologies, cognitive computing, and cognitive services.
The Institute of Cognitive Science together with other members of the University, the Institute of Computer Science, the Institute of Psychology, Information management, biology, virtUOS, and the research unit “Cognition and Poetics” is optimally prepared in order to be sustainably nationally and internationally visible in basic research and numerous economically important applications. Examples of central research questions of the profile area and their closer disciplinary and social embedding are:
In addition to these research questions, there are numerous practical and economically relevant applications in the field of the interplay and the integration of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, interface design, and cognitive modeling. Due to the established international Bachelor, Master, and PhD study programs in Cognitive Science, Osnabrück is ideally positioned to continue to ensure a steady output of highly qualified graduates. The Institute of Cognitive Science (IKW) as the nucleus of the profile area has both, the disciplinary diversity and the excellent international reputation as well as the necessary methodological breadth to form a solid foundation for this profile area.
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This topic focuses on basic research in the field of neuroscience, in particular on neuronal models for attention, motion and perception, learning processes, multi-modal integration of sensory data, sensorimotor contingencies, neuronal foundations of memory and object perception, as well as influences of biological factors on cognition, e.g. effects of insulin, drugs or estrogen on cognitive aspects. The methods used in this field are EEG, eye tracking, hormonal analyses, behavioral recordings, and human-experimental paradigms. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, transgenes and knock-out mouse models are used. New neural models are developed based on the findings. Participating fields of research are General Psychology I, General Psychology II and Biological Psychology, Neurobiopsychology, Neuroinformatics, and Neurobiology.
This topic covers classical approaches to basic psychological research within cognitive science. Psychological and computational models of cognitive abilities are investigated, ranging from perception and memory to higher abilities such as complex problem solving. Methodologically, this field focuses on human psychological behavioral experiments, cognitive modeling, and computational models. Participating fields are General Psychology I, General Psychology II, Differential Psychology, Cognitive Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Robotics and Computer Vision.
Educational systems are facing monumental changes. More and more computer-based e-learning systems in schools, colleges, and further education institutions will complement and at least partially replace classical teaching methods. In particular, support in the area of language acquisition (e.g. integration of migrants) and company training, as well as further training of employees, will play a central role in the future. This makes the development of intelligent, adaptive, multi-media, collaborative, and ubiquitous e-learning systems necessary. Methodologically, this topic is oriented towards developments around Big Data, digital working environments, cognitive modeling, and classical computer science. Participating fields are virtUOS, Media Informatics, Work and Organizational Psychology, Corporate Accounting and Management Information Systems, Neuroinformatics, Artificial Intelligence, and Cognitive Modeling.
In this field, the focus of research and development will be on innovative human-computer interfaces, as well as interactive, close-to-the-body technology systems (for example, augmented reality glasses, sensors), in particular with regard to software ergonomics and user experience. Methodologically, this research field works with behavioral recordings (including speech input and output), eye tracking, as well as technologies in the area of virtual reality and mixed reality. Participating fields are Work and Organizational Psychology, Media Informatics, Corporate Accounting and Management Information Systems, Neuroinformatics, Neurobiopsychology, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Robotics and Distributed Systems.
This topic addresses intelligent ubiquitous systems, for example, in the areas of Smart Home, Ambient Assisted Living, eHealth, Smart City, Smart Industry, and Smart Farming. Here, in particular, multi-sensory interactive systems are used, which can understand and predict human action or the respective context of actions, i.e. which can generally support human action. Methodically, such an area encompasses aspects of software engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and distributed systems, as well as psychological, economic, and neuroscientific aspects. Participating fields are Distributed Systems, Cognitive Robotics, Combinatorial Optimization, Corporate Accounting and Management Information Systems, General Psychology I, Nursing Science, Philosophy, Cultural and Media Sciences.
The humanities deal for the most part with the question of what a literary text, a painting, a piece of music, etc., mean, and what principles are based on their effects. New, cognitive-scientific theories and approaches provide important impulses for the critical revision of established paradigms in the linguistic, literary, and cultural sciences (text analysis, the philologies). The integration of cognitive science methods and knowledge can therefore contribute to the substantial renewal of traditional humanities. This is addressed in this field, which examines cognitive foundations and conditions for hermeneutic. Participating fields are the Center for Cognitive Poetics, Philosophy of Mind, Theoretical Philosophy, Art History, and Systematic Musicology.