General psychology focuses on the foundation of studying science of psychology that deals with psychological functions. In other words, this field studies basic psychological principles, problems and methods of human development, emotions, motivation, learning, genetics, aging, memory, senses, thinking, perception, information processing, and intelligence. In line with the research program of the faculty of Psychology, the research program of the department of General psychology examines psychological functions by studying their underlying workings mechanisms. Were a function is about ‘what’ specific processes are involved, is a working mechanism about ‘how’ specific processes work.

The aim of the research program of General psychology, regarding working mechanisms, is to improve the understanding how psychological interventions and therapies might work, whether (new) technologies can contribute to that, and how a beneficial effect can be assessed under different circumstances.