Research

My research targets basic and applied questions related to designing and implementing trustworthy intelligent technologies. Exemplary projects that inspect underlying cognitive processes, relevant context factors, and potentially influencing individual differences are outlined subsequently. For a complete overview of completed and ongoing projects, please visit our department website.

Human-AI teaming in the cockpit (since 2023)

TBD

Selected publications

  • Fini, M., Daw, Z., & Wirzberger, M. (2026). Assessing human-AI teaming in single-pilot operations: Effects of AI support on cognitive workload and performance. In G. Boleda, I. Dautriche, M. Maldonado, C. Saldana, & T. Torrent (Eds.), Proceedings of the 48th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society (pp. 424–431). Cognitive Science Society. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/341303jk
  • Lorrig, P., Fini, M., Lux, L., Wirzberger, M., & Daw, Z. (2025). Assessing an evaluation framework for Human-AI-Teaming in flight deck applications. In 44th AIAA DATC/IEEE Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Montreal.

Individual and social impacts on AI adoption (since 2022)

TBD

Selected publications

  • Berberena, T., Ðula, I., & Wirzberger, M. (2026). A system dynamics approach to modeling trust dynamics in conversational AI. ISOLA.
  • Berberena, T., & Wirzberger, M. (2026). The impact of gender bias and ageism on trust in chatbot advice. Technology, Mind & Society.
  • Ðula, I., Berberena, T., Keplinger, K., & Wirzberger, M. (2024). From challenges to opportunities: navigating the human response to automated agents in the workplace. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, 1545. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03962-x
  • Ðula, I., Berberena, T., Keplinger, K., & Wirzberger, M. (2024). Simulation and ChatGPT: Large language models as tools for model analysis. In Conference Proceedings for the 2024 System Dynamics Conference.
  • Ðula, I., Berberena, T., Keplinger, K., & Wirzberger, M. (2023). Hooked on artificial agents: A systems thinking perspective. Frontiers in Behavioral Economics, 2, 1223281. https://doi.org/10.3389/frbhe.2023.1223281

Individual differences in human-technology interaction (since 2021)

TBD

Selected publications

  • Koch, N. N., Gebert, R., Meißner, N., & Wirzberger, M. (2026). Exploring gender as a determinant of game element effectiveness. Frontiers in Computer Science – Human-Media Interaction, 1694621. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2026.1694621
  • Wirzberger, M., Bareiß, L., & Baybüyük, L. A. (2025). Rotating in space? A feasibility study on performance gains and technology acceptance in VR-based spatial working memory training with neurodivergent adults. In MuC ’25: Proceedings of the Mensch und Computer 2025 (pp. 545–550). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3743049.3748584
  • Vorreuther, A., Tagalidou, N., Lingelbach, K., Bareiß, L., Wirzberger, M., & Vukelic, M. (2025). Exploring neuroadaptivity in virtual-reality-based extended worlds for cognitive skill training. In MuC ’25: Proceedings of the Mensch und Computer 2025 (pp. 571–577). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3743049.3748574
  • Bareiß, L., Wansitler, L., Schwarten, A., & Wirzberger, M. (2025). Understanding neurodiverse cognitive-affective functioning in a multimodal technology-mediated framework: Ethical guidelines and human-centered design implications. In J. Tröge, J. Stepczynski, H. Wiesner, & C. Runde (eds.), Virtuelle Beteiligung, reale Teilhabe. Transformative Technologien für eine inklusivere Gesellschaft (pp. 143–165). Campus-Verlag.

Digital education for cybersecurity awareness, programming, and environmental education (since 2020)

TBD

Selected publications

  • Rutayjiana, A., Koch, N., Dittrich, C., Berberena, T., Bareiß, L., Yazici, C., & Wirzberger, M. (2026). Feel it, see it, take action: Promoting resilience to cyberbullying using a social network simulation. DELFI.
  • Koch, N. N., Kapfenstein, A.-K., & Wirzberger, M. (2026). Encouraging growth in programming education: Does growth mindset feedback influence learning? Technology, Knowledge, and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-026-09996-1
  • Koch, N., Kapfenstein, A.-K., Meißner, N., & Wirzberger, M. (2024). Enhanced code comprehension: Individualized learning of code tracing with the feedback buddy. In DELFI 2024.
  • Stock, A., Stock, O., Mönch, J. M., Suren, M., Koch, N. N., Rey, G. D., & Wirzberger, M. (2024). BeeLife: A mobile application to foster environmental awareness in classroom settings. Frontiers in Computer Science – Digital Education, 5, 1298888. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2023.1298888
  • Wirzberger, M., Bornemeier, J., Kampel, S., Álvarez Serrano, M. G., Ullmann, L., & Rey, G. D. (2021). Umwelt trifft App: Verbindung virtueller und realer Welten in der Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung – Kurzbericht [Environment meets app: Connecting virtual and real worlds in education for sustainable development – Short report]. Umweltpsychologie, 25, 123–132. [PDF]

Computer-based support for self-regulated study and work (since 2020)

Strong attention control skills can prevent harmful effects of distraction. To foster these skills, our desktop app FocUS provides metacognitive feedback on the value of exerting attention control when people distract themselves from a self-chosen task. Contrary to existing approaches, it turns daily life settings into a gym for the mind to achieve stable and sustainable skill acquisition. We evaluate the training in different settings (e.g., school, university, workplace), where participants use the app over a defined period of time during work or study activities. From the obtained data, we can develop cognitive models that predict the development of attention control skills.

Selected publications

  • Schmitz-Hübsch, A., Bareiß, L., Jahn, E., & Wirzberger, M. (2025). eduScrum meets focUS: A computer-assisted training to promote self-regulation skills in Higher Education. Frontiers in Computer Science – Human-Media Interaction, 7, 1593889. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcom.2025.1593889
  • Wirzberger, M., Bareiß, L., Herbst, V., Stock, A., & Kembitzky, J. (2025). Performance expectancy benefits acceptance towards digital self-control support. Acta Psychologica, 258, 105273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105273
  • Wirzberger, M., Lado, A., Prentice, M., Oreshnikov, I., Passy, J.-C., Stock, A., & Lieder, F. (2024). Optimal feedback improves behavioral focus during self-regulated computer-based work. Scientific Reports, 14, 3124. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53388-3
  • Wirzberger, M., & Schwarz, M. (2021). Förderung selbstregulierten Lernens durch ein KI-gestütztes Training [Promoting self-regulated learning with an AI-based training]. Bildung und Erziehung, 74, 280–295. https://doi.org/10.13109/buer.2021.74.3.280 [PDF]