To mark the start of the winter term, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is launching a new initiative for interested members of the public of all ages. Whether you’re a school pupil or a pensioner, anyone interested can ask the academics all the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. The first session will focus on the subject of psychology.
To kick off the interview series, two researchers – Verena Schürmann and Johannes Pfeifer – are here to answer our questions. Both are research assistants in the Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Communication and Environment. This short interview offers an initial insight into the day-to-day working lives of the two researchers, ahead of their participation in a live online event on 18 November 2020 at 4.30 pm, where they will answer questions from the audience on the subject of psychology.
– Start of the interview –
What do you actually do all day as a psychologist?
Both: Although many people associate this with studying psychology, we don’t spend the whole day analysing what other people say or reading their minds. Unfortunately, there isn’t a couch in our office either. As qualified psychologists from Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, one of our roles is teaching. To do this, we prepare seminars and lectures for the students. This term, teaching is taking place online, which is why we’re recording instructional videos for the students so they can access them flexibly from anywhere. We also carry out research together with our colleagues on topics that are relevant to society. We present our findings at conferences or in publications.
Pfeifer: I have been working at the university since 2016 and, alongside teaching and research, I also carry out tasks in our psychology laboratories. In addition, I provide freelance consultancy services to companies and private individuals. At the moment, due to the current situation, I am working largely from home.
Schürmann: I’m doing my PhD in collaboration with the University of Duisburg-Essen, so I’m a PhD student. As a result, the focus of my role is on research. At the moment, I’m working on a systematic review, which means I’m analysing the research literature specifically with regard to a particular research question. To do this, I search for suitable sources, read lots of articles and compare the findings of previous research to find answers to my questions.
A typical working day therefore consists of a mix of teaching and research activities, often with a cup of coffee by my side.
Which topic particularly fascinates you or is especially close to your heart?
Schürmann: Our world is becoming increasingly fast-paced and complex, which places greater demands on us. To meet these demands, we need not only better technical skills – creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking are also becoming ever more important. I am convinced that these skills are fostered in particular through collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. But how can exchange and collaboration be encouraged? What drives people and what holds them back? I regard these topics as particularly important.
Pfeifer: I am particularly interested in the topics of motivation, as well as emotions and their functions. Specifically, I am currently conducting research into a fundamental aspect of human behaviour known as approach-avoidance behaviour. Put simply, all behaviour – including, for example, motivation – can be traced back to this. I am also fascinated by people’s health and performance.
From your (professional) perspective, what is the biggest question or challenge of our time?
Pfeifer: I think it is hugely important to be able to show understanding and compassion for other people. In my view, this is only possible if we have a basic understanding of how people function, what drives and inhibits them, and how emotions work. I hope that people around the world will grow ever closer together and see themselves as a sort of extended family. To achieve this, it is important to develop precisely this understanding of one another – and we psychologists are trying to play our part in this. I also hope that we manage to improve our relationship with nature.
Schürmann: Given today’s diverse and, in some cases, interlinked challenges – such as climate change, digitalisation and the current COVID-19 pandemic – I do not think the question is which challenge is the greatest or how it can be solved. There will always be new, unfamiliar situations that arise suddenly and which we must face. So I think the greatest challenge lies at a higher level. How can we deal with these situations? How do we solve these problems? How do we turn ideas into action and manage to get as many people as possible on board?
– End of interview –
Anyone wishing to find out more is welcome to join the online event via Webex Events on 18 November 2020 at 4.30 pm. You’ll need a computer or mobile phone with an internet connection. Participation is free of charge and no prior registration is required. Instructions on how to take part and further information can be found at https://hsrw.info/c8afe. Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, together with the speakers, looks forward to an interesting and entertaining discussion.
