MOCON Lab
Das Motivational and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab an der IPU Berlin stellt sich vor.
Ihre Ansprechpartnerin
Prof. Dr. Christine Stelzel
IPU Berlin
Alt-Moabit 91a, R 2.20
10557 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 300 117-735
Mail: christine.stelzel@ipu-berlin.de
“The brain is a complex biological organ of great computational capability that constructs our sensory experiences, regulates our thoughts and emotions, and controls our actions.”
—Eric Kandel
Die Faszination für die neuronalen Grundlagen komplexer menschlicher Fähigkeiten bildet die Grundlage unserer Forschung.
Unsere Arbeitsgruppe erforscht die neuronalen Grundlagen motivationaler und kognitiver Kontrollprozesse im Kontext verschiedener mentaler Anforderungen. Dazu zählen:
- Multitasking-Situationen, in denen mehrere Aufgaben (fast) gleichzeitig bearbeitet werden.
- Arbeitsgedächtnisanforderungen, bei denen kurzzeitig Informationen im Gedächtnis behalten und bearbeitet werden müssen.
- Anforderungen an das Prospektive Gedächtnis, in denen einmal gefasste Absichten zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt realisiert werden.
- Zeitschätzaufgaben, in denen Zeitintervalle ohne externe Hilfsmittel eingeschätzt werden müssen.
Wie motivationale Prozesse und interindividuelle Unterschiede die Bearbeitung solcher Anforderungen modulieren, betrachten wir aus verschiedenen Perspektiven. Neben der Rolle von externen Belohnungen erforschen wir insbesondere auch, wie intrinsische Motivation wirkt und inwiefern motivationale und emotionale Prozesse Aufmerksamkeits- und kognitive Kontrollprozesse gemeinsam beeinflussen.
Dazu nutzen wir Verhaltensmaße sowie neurowissenschaftliche Methoden, wie funktionale Bildgebung (fMRT) und psychophysiologische Methoden (EEG). Aktuell setzen wir insbesondere auch multivariate Analyseverfahren ein, um die zugrundliegenden Aufgabenrepräsentationen zu charakterisieren und zu individuellen Unterschieden und Trainingseffekten in Bezug zu setzen.
Im Fokus steht für uns das Verständnis der Rolle präfrontaler Hirnstrukturen in ihrem Zusammenspiel mit anderen cortikalen und subcortikalen Regionen. Um die Rolle des Neurotransmitters Dopamin in diesem Zusammenhang zu erforschen, führen wir u. a. auch genetische Assoziationsstudien durch.
Viele unserer Studien führen wir mit jungen, gesunden Proband:innen durch, um das Grundverständnis der beteiligten neurokognitiven Prozesse zu erweitern. In verschiedenen Kooperationsprojekten betrachten wir diese Prozesse aber auch über die Lebensspanne mit Fokus auf Veränderungen und Trainierbarkeit im höheren Erwachsenenalter.
Das Team
Prof. Dr. Christine Stelzel
Principal Investigator
Sofia Kontaxi
Doktorandin
Dr. Marie Mückstein
Research Fellow
Alina Podschun
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin
Dilara Coskun
Doktorandin
Paul Bruckmeir
Studentische Hilfskraft
Asuka Kähler
Studentische Hilfskraft
Charlotte Salomon
Studentische Hilfskraft
Forschung
Multitasking und kognitive Kontrolle
MOMAP
Von 2018 bis 2023
Effects of modality mappings within working memory on postural control, associated neural correlates, and training-induced modulation of dual-task performance in old age.
MONALI
Seit 2022
Modality compatibility effects in multitasking in more naturalistic environments across the lifespan.
MOCOPS
Seit 2021
Using intelligence, working memory capacity and neural updating-efficiency parameter to predict task-switching processing style.
Motivation-Emotions-Interaktionen
Prospektives Gedächtnis
PRODOX
Seit 2025
The age-prospective memory paradox revisited – disentangling age-specific neurocognitive and motivational factors across settings
Neuigkeiten
Neue kollaborative IPU Publikation in Motivation and Emotion erschienen
Self-determination: independent effects of choice and affective processing on the late positive potential (LPP), doi.org/10.1007/s11031-026-10251-4
Die im Rahmen der Promotionsarbeit von Sofia Kontaxi entstandene Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Zusammenspiel von intrinsischer Motivation und Emotionsverarbeitung. In zwei EEG Experimenten konnte gezeigt werden, dass ein spezielles emotionsbezogenes ereigniskorrelierte Potenzial (LPP) auch motivationale Manipulationen (‚self-determined choice‘) reflektiert. Die motivationale Manipulation scheint jedoch die emotionale Verarbeitung nicht zu beeinflussen, sondern zeigt unabhängige Effekte auf das LPP. Die Ergebnisse werden in Bezug auf resourcenlimitierte Aufmerksamkeitsprozesse im Kontext motivational-affektiver Verarbeitung interpretiert.
Neue Publikation in Human Brain Mapping erschienen: Network Neuroscience of Human Multitasking: Local Connections Matter
Die Befunde der fMRT-Studie zeigen, dass individuelle Unterschiede in modalitätsspezifischen Multitaskingkosten mit umschriebenen funktionellen Konnektivitätssunterschieden zusammenhängen, nicht aber mit Unterschieden in globalen Netzwerkkonfigurationen.
Wir gratulieren Dr. Marie Mückstein zur erfolgreichen Disputation und damit zum Abschluss einer exzellenten Dokotorarbeit. Für die folgende Postdoc-Zeit in Senne Braem's Arbeitsgruppe in Gent wünschen wir ihr alles Gute.
Veröffentlichungen
- Sicorello M., Zaehringer J., Paschke L., Steimke R., Stelzel C., Gianaros P.J., LaBar K.S., Graner J.L., Kim S.H., Wessa M., Sandner M., Weinmar F., Derntl B., Kraynak T.E., Huneke N.T.M., Fagan H., Kohn N., Fernández G., Yan L., Marín-Morales A., …, Morawetz C. (2025). The elusive neural signature of emotion regulation capabilities: evidence from a large-scale consortium. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.18.670843
- Kontaxi, S., Kuchinke, L., Stürmer, B., & Stelzel, C. (in press). Self-determination: Independent effects of choice and affective processing on the late positive potential (LPP). Motivation and Emotion. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-026-10251-4
- Asuako, P.A.G, Mueckstein M., Stojan R., Mack M., Schwarze, S.A., Stelzel, C., Fandakova, Y., Stephan, D., Voelcker-Rehage, C. (2026) Effect of modality compatibility on dual-task performance in a more naturalistic environment. Psychological Research 90, 21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-026-02238-0
- Mueckstein, M., Hilger, K., Heinzel, S., Granacher, U., Rapp, M. A., & Stelzel, C. (2025). Network Neuroscience of Human Multitasking: Local Connections Matter. Human Brain Mapping, 46(18), e70434. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.70434
- Hartmann, H., Gürsoy, Ç., Lischke, A., Mueckstein, M., Sperl, M., Vogel, S., Yang, Y.F., Feld, G., Kastrinogiannis, A., & Koppold, A. (2025). ARIADNE: A Scientific Navigator to Find Your Way Through the Resource Labyrinth of Psychological Sciences. Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science, 8(1), 25152459241297674. https://doi.org/10.1177/25152459241297674
- Mueckstein, M., Görgen, K., Heinzel, S., Granacher, U., Rapp, M., & Stelzel, C. (2025). Multitasking Practice Eliminates Modality-Based Interference by Separating Task Representations in Sensory Brain Regions. The Journal of Neuroscience, 45(4), e0755242024. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0755-24.2024
- Gebel, A., Busch, A., Stelzel, C., Hortobágyi, T. and Granacher, U. (2022). Effects of Physical and Mental Fatigue on Postural Sway and Cortical Activity in Healthy Young Adults. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:871930. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.871930
- Montag C., Solms, M., Stelzel, C., and Davis, KL. (2022) The future of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: A reflection on seven pressing matters. Personality Neuroscience. Vol 5: e10, https://doi.org/10.1017/pen.2022.2
- Mueckstein, M.; Heinzel, S.; Granacher, U.; Brahms, M:; Rapp, M.A. & Stelzel, C. (2022). Modality-specific effects of mental fatigue in multitasking. Acta Psychologica, 230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103766
- Brahms, M.; Heinzel, S.; Rapp, M; Mückstein, M.; Hortobágyi, T.; Stelzel, C*. & Granacher, U.* (2022). The acute effects of mental fatigue on balance performance in healthy young and older adults – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychologica, 225, 103540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103540 * shared senior authorship
- Brahms, M., Heinzel, S., Rapp, M., Reisner, V., Wahmkow,G., Rimpel, J., Schauenburg, G., Stelzel, C*., & Granacher, U*. (2021). Cognitive-postural multitasking training in older adults – Effects of input- output modality mappings on cognitive performance and postural control. Journal of Cognition, 4(1), 20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/joc.146 *shared senior authorship
- Müller, C. J., Classe, F., Stürmer, B., Kuchinke, L., & Stelzel, C. (2021). Neurocognitive effects of self-determined choice and emotional arousal on time estimation. Advances in Cognitive Psychology, 5(2), 161-175. https://doi.org/10.5709/acp-0326-2
- Valt, C., Huber, D., Kontaxi, S., Frank, J., Nörtemann, M., & Stürmer, B. (2021). The Processing of Visual Signals in Major Depressive Disorder. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 53(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1177/15500594211019916
- Brüning, J., Mückstein, M., & Manzey, D. (2020). Multitasking strategies make the difference: Separating processing-code resources boosts multitasking efficiency when individuals prefer to interleave tasks in free concurrent dual tasking. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 46(12), 1411-1433. https://doi.org/10.1037/xhp0000865
- Bohle, H., Rimpel, J., Schauenburg, G., Gebel, A., Stelzel, C., Heinzel, S., Rapp, M., & Granacher, U. (2019). Behavioral and Neural Correlates of Cognitive-Motor Interference during Multitasking in Young and Old Adults. Neural Plast, 2019, 9478656. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9478656
- Bruening, J., Ludwig, V. U., Paschke, L. M., Walter, H., & Stelzel, C. (2018). Motivational effects on the processing of delayed intentions in the anterior prefrontal cortex. Neuroimage, 172, 517-526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.01.083
- Stelzel, C., Bohle, H., Schauenburg, G., Walter, H., Granacher, U., Rapp, M. A., & Heinzel, S. (2018). Contribution of the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex to Cognitive-Postural Multitasking. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1075. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01075
- Heinzel, S, Rimpel, J, Stelzel, C., Rapp, M.A. (2017). Transfer effects to a multimodal dual-task after working memory training and associated neural correlates in older adults. Front Hum Neurosci, 11, 85. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00085
- Steimke, R., Nomi, J. S., Calhoun, V. D., Stelzel, C., Paschke, L. M., Gaschler, R.,Goschkte, T., Walter, H., Uddin, L. Q. (2017). Salience network dynamics underlying successful resistance of temptation. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci, 12(12), 1928-1939. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsx123
- Stelzel, C*., Schauenburg, G*., Rapp, M. A., Heinzel, S., & Granacher, U. (2017). Age-Related Interference between the Selection of Input-Output Modality Mappings and Postural Control-a Pilot Study. Front Psychol, 8, 613. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00613 *equal contribution
- Heinzel, S., Lorenz, R. C., Pelz, P., Heinz, A., Walter, H., Kathmann, N., Rapp, M.A.*, Stelzel, C.*(2016). Neural correlates of training and transfer effects in working memory in older adults. NeuroImage, 134, 236-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.03.068 *shared senior authorship
- Paschke, L. M., Dorfel, D., Steimke, R., Trempler, I., Magrabi, A., Ludwig, V. U., Schubert, T., Stelzel, C.*, Walter, H.*(2016). Individual differences in self-reported self-control predict successful emotion regulation. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci, 11(8), 1193-1204. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsw036 *shared senior authorship
- Sekutowicz, M., Schmack, K., Steimke, R., Paschke, L., Sterzer, P., Walter, H., & Stelzel, C.. (2016). Striatal activation as a neural link between cognitive and perceptual flexibility. Neuroimage, 141, 393-398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.07.046
- Steimke, R., Stelzel, C., Gaschler, R., Rothkirch, M., Ludwig, V. U., Paschke, L. M., Trempler, I., Kathmann, N., Goschke,T., Walter, H. (2016). Decomposing Self-Control: Individual Differences in Goal Pursuit Despite Interfering Aversion, Temptation, and Distraction. Frontiers in psychology, 7, 382. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00382
- Paschke, L.M.*, Walter, H.*, Steimke, R., Ludwig, V.U., Gaschler, R., Schubert, T., & Stelzel, C. (2015). Motivation by potential gains and losses affects control processes via different mechanisms in the attentional network. NeuroImage, 11, 549-561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.02.04761 *shared first authorship
- Wiers, C. E., Stelzel, C., Gladwin, T. E., Park, S. Q., Pawelczack, S., Gawron, C. K., Stuke, H., Heinz, A., Wiers, R. W., Rinck, M., Lindenmeyer, J., Walter, H.*, & Bermpohl, F.* (2015). Effects of Cognitive Bias Modification-Training on Neural Alcohol Cue Reactivity in Alcohol-Dependence. Am J Psychiatry, 172(4), 335-343. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13111495 *shared senior authorship.
- Ludwig, V. U., Stelzel, C., Krutiak, H., Magrabi, A., Steimke, R., Paschke, L. M., Kathmann, N., & Walter, H. (2014). The suggestible brain: posthypnotic effects on value-based decision-making. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci, 9(9), 1281-1288. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nst110
- Soutschek, A., Stelzel, C., Paschke, L., Walter, H., & Schubert, T. (2014). Dissociable Effects of Motivation and Expectancy on Conflict Processing: An fMRI Study. J Cogn Neurosci, 27(2), 409-423. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00712
- Wiers, C. E., Stelzel, C., Park, S. Q., Gawron, C. K., Ludwig, V. U., Gutwinski, S., Heinz, A., Lindenmeyer, J, Wiers, R.W., Walter, H.*, & Bermpohl, F. (2014). Neural Correlates of Alcohol-Approach Bias in Alcohol Addiction: the Spirit is Willing but the Flesh is Weak for Spirits. Neuro- psychopharmacology 39(3), 688-697. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2013.252 *shared senior authorship.
- Basten, U., Stelzel, C., & Fiebach, C. J. (2013). Intelligence is differentially related to neural effort in the task-positive and task-negative brain network. Intelligence, 41(5), 517-538. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-012-0100-3
- Ludwig, V. U., Stelzel, C., Krutiak, H., Prunkl, C. E., Steimke, R., Paschke, L. M., Kathmann, N. & Walter, H. (2013). Impulsivity, self-control, and hypnotic suggestibility. Consciousness and cognition, 22(2), 637-653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2013.04.001
- Stelzel, C., Fiebach, C. J., Cools, R., Tafazoli, S., & D‘Esposito, M. (2013). Dissociable fronto-striatal effects of dopami-ne D2 receptor stimulation on cognitive versus motor flexibility. Cortex, 49(10), 2799-2811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2013.04.002
- Basten, U., Stelzel, C., & Fiebach, C. J. (2012). Trait anxiety and the neural efficiency of manipulation in working memory. Cognitive, affective & behavioral neuroscience, 12(3), 571-588. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-012-0100-3
- Basten, U., Stelzel, C., & Fiebach, C. J. (2011). Trait anxiety modulates the neural efficiency of inhibitory control. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 23(10), 3132-3145. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00003
- Stelzel, C., & Schubert, T. (2011). Interference effects of stimulus-response modality pairings in dual tasks and their robustness. Psychological Research, 75(6), 476-490. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-011-0368-x
- Stelzel, C., Basten, U., & Fiebach, C. J. (2011). Functional connectivity separates switching operations in the posterior lateral frontal cortex. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 23(11), 3529-3539. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00062
- Montag, C., Markett, S., Basten, U., Stelzel, C., Fiebach, C., Canli, T., et al. (2010). Epistasis of the DRD2/ANKK1 Taq Ia and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism impacts novelty seeking and harm avoidance. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(9), 1860-1867. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2010.55
- Montag, C., Basten, U., Stelzel, C., Fiebach, C. J., & Reuter, M. (2010). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and anxiety: support for animal knock-in studies from a genetic association study in humans. Psychiatry research, 179(1), 86-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2008.08.005
- Stelzel, C., Basten, U., Montag, C., Reuter, M., & Fiebach, C. J. (2010). Frontostriatal involvement in task switching depends on genetic differences in d2 receptor density. Journal of Neuroscience, 30(42), 14205-14212. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1062-10.2010
- Stelzel, C., Basten, U., Montag, C., Reuter, M., & Fiebach, C. J. (2009). Effects of dopamine-related gene-gene interactions on working memory component processes. European Journal of Neuroscience, 29(5), 1056-1063. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06647.x
- Stelzel, C., Brandt, S. A., & Schubert, T. (2009). Neural mechanisms of concurrent stimulus processing in dual tasks.NeuroImage, 48(1), 237-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.06.064
- Montag, C., Basten, U., Stelzel, C., Fiebach, C. J., & Reuter, M. (2008). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and smoking. Neurosci Lett, 442(1), 30-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2008.06.064
- Stelzel, C., Kraft, A., Brandt, S. A., & Schubert, T. (2008). Dissociable neural effects of task order control and task set maintenance during dual-task processing. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 20(4), 613-628. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn.2008.20053
- Schubert, T., Fischer, R., & Stelzel, C. (2008). Response activation in overlapping tasks and the response-selection bottleneck. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 34(2), 376-397. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.34.2.376
- Stelzel, C., Schumacher, E. H., Schubert, T., & D‘Esposito, M. (2006). The neural effect of stimulus-response modality compatibility on dual-task performance: an fMRI study. Psychological Research, 70(6), 514-525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-005-0013-7
- van der Meer, E., Friedrich, M., Nuthmann, A., Stelzel, C., & Kuchinke, L. (2003). Picture-word matching: flexibility in conceptual memory and pupillary responses. Psychophysiology, 40(6), 904-913. https://doi.org/10.1111/1469-8986.00108
- Podschun, A.N., Fink, I., Pupillo, F., Altgassen, M. & Stelzel, C. (2026). Age-specific predictors of everyday intention execution - evidence from experience sampling and multilevel Bayesian path-modeling [oral presentation]. 6th International Conference on Prospective Memory, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Podschun, A.N., Steimke, R., Paschke, L.M., Ludwig, V. U., Gaschler, R., Kathmann, N., Goschke, T., Walter, H.,& Stelzel, C. (2026). Network analysis of working-memory load and intention processing in the brain [poster presentation]. 6th International Conference on Prospective Memory, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Stelzel, C., Schäfer, L., Podschun, A.N., Altgassen, M., Habermas, T. (2026). Personal intention evaluation in young and old adults – a qualitative approach to age-related motivational differences [oral presentation]. 6th International Conference on Prospective Memory, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Podschun, A.N., Steimke, R., Paschke, L.M. , Ludwig, V. U., Gaschler, R., Kathmann, N., Goschke, T., Walter, H.,& Stelzel, C. (2026). Network analysis of working-memory load and intention processing in the brain [poster presentation]. 32nd meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping, Bordeaux, France.
- Kontaxi, S., Minné, D., Fischmann, T., Solms, M. & Stelzel, C. (2025). Twenty-two Years of Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: Advancing Emotional Systems Research with the ANPS-PGL [Oral presentation]. The 24th Annual Congress of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society (NPSA), New York, USA. https://npsa-association.org/events/npsa-congress-2025-new-york/
- Stelzel, C. , Paschke, L. M., Doerfel, D., Steimke, R., Ludwig, V. U. & Walter, H. (2025). Association of cognitive flexibility and attentional control with emotion regulation? Talk as part of symposium “Emotion Regulation: Neural underpinnings and assoications with executive functions” organized by Basten, U. & Karbach, J.]. 67thTagung experimentell arbeitender Psychologen (TeaP), DGPS, Frankfurt, Germany. Further information >>>
- Mueckstein, M., Goergen, K., Heinzel, S., Granacher, U., Rapp, A. M. & Stelzel, C. (2024). Mitigating Modality-Based Interference: Multitasking practice and the distinctiveness of task representation in sensory brain regions [Poster presentation]. 46th Annual Meeting Cognitive Science Society (COGSCI), Rotterdam, Netherlands. www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/cogsci-2024/
- Kontaxi, S., Stuermer, B., Kuchinke, L. & Stelzel, C. (2024). Self-Determination: Motivational and affective processing depend on task context [Poster presentation]. 49th Annual Meeting Psychologie & Gehirn (PuG), DGPS, Tübingen, Germany. www.pug2024.de
- Mueckstein, M., Hilger, K., Heinzel, S., Granacher, U., Rapp, M.A., & Stelzel, C. (2024) Is similarity in functional brain connectivity across tasks related to modality-specific dual-task interference? [Poster presentation]. 49th Annual Meeting Psychologie & Gehirn (PuG), DGPS, Hamburg, Germany. www.pug2024.de
- Mueckstein, M., Goergen, K., Heinzel, S., Granacher, U., Rapp, A. M. & Stelzel, C. (2024). Dual-task practice eliminates task interference by shaping task representations in sensory brain regions. [Talk as part of symposium “Changes for learning: how do changes in task-specific representations shape adaptive cognitive control?” organized by Schwarze, S. & Fandakova, Y]. & 66th Tagung experimentell arbeitender Psychologen (TeaP), DGPS, Regensburg, Germany. www.conference-service.com/teap-2024-regensburg/