Wilhelm Gros

Evaluations of behavioral decisions constitute complex cognitive and affective psychological processes with many determining factors. Consequently, we expect a multitude of factors to affect the acceptance of living materials systems. In this project, we aim to advance “Cognitive Affective Mapping (CAM)” as a novel approach that can be used to predict acceptance by assessing cognitive concepts and their affective connotation. In recent years, we’ve explored the application of the CAM method on various research questions, programmed different software systems to implement CAM, and discussed the first analysis approaches.

In this specific project, we aim to take a closer methodological look on the CAM method. We focus on reliability as one of the classical core quality criteria in psychological test construction. Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement and the extent of measurement errors.

In a first study, we used a classical approach to assess reliability by measuring a stable item twice. From the correlation of the two measurements, we got a first indication of a high reliability of the CAM method up to .69. Subsequent studies focus on how to best implement CAM in order to achieve an even higher reliability.

The overall goal is to strengthen CAM research by better understanding its reliability and to provide a powerful tool for evaluating the acceptability of living materials systems.

First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Andrea Kiesel

The natural stone paving of Freiburg in general, but also the many mosaics scattered throughout the city in particular, have a reputation far beyond the region. International delegations marvel at how it is still possible today to pave wide streets and squares with natural stone, to convey meaningful messages via small mosaics as well as to meet modern requirements for traffic load, rainwater drainage, and inclusion.

The university also contributes to this kaleidoscope: paved courtyards comply with monument protection regulations, scientific methods are reflected in front of institute buildings, and some mosaics are tricky riddles. Just as the university is spread across the entire city of Freiburg, the paving treasures can also be found in a wide variety of locations. However, academic paving has found little mention in the local paving literature.

As part of this project, the academic pavings were not only researched, but two mosaics were even improved by hand. An academic guide will be published based on these and other findings. Until then, the university pavings can be experienced as part of a guided tour.

Carcers, or arrest cells, which were formerly used as part of the university’s own judicial system, are one of the more curious aspects of academic history. Universities whose carcers have survived to this day are usually quite active in marketing them, something that has largely been neglected in Freiburg. This is all the more surprising given that the Summer Carcer, with its 32-station continuous wall frieze from 1912, holds a cultural treasure that no other preserved carcer has to offer.

Traditional marketing of carcers tends to focus on amusing anecdotes and witty sentences on the carcer wall. However, apart from a few clever coups, on closer inspection most of the incidents involved damage to property and brawls committed under the influence of alcohol. This project aims to critically research the history of the Freiburg carcers as well as their inmates and make it accessible to the public. In addition, psychological methods will be used to investigate how and for what purpose the carcers can be used in guided tours. Where did the detainees come from and what were they incarcerated for? What does the carcer teach us about academic self-administration and our current self-image? Finally, consideration should be given to how these findings can be profitably integrated into the university’s public relations work.

2025

• Fenn, J., Gouret, F., Gorki, M., Reuter, L., Gros, W., Hüttner, P., & Kiesel, A. (2025). Cognitive-affective maps extended logic: Proposing tools to collect and analyze attitudes and belief systems. Behavior Research Methods, 57(6), 174. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-025-02699-y

2024

• Gros, W., Reuter, L., Sprich, J., Schuldzinski, D., Fenn, J., & Kiesel, A. (2024). Cognitive-affective maps (CAMs) as measurement tool–Elaboration of quantitative and qualitative test-retest reliability. Technology in Society, 78, 102651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102651

in prep (first author)

• Fenn*, J., Gros*, W., Bugler, S., Gorki, M., Höfele, P., Tauber, F., & Kiesel, A. (in prep). Motivate a Sustainable Design of Soft Robots from a Layperson Perspective – A Transdisciplinary Approach.
  *shared first authorship
• Gros, W., Endres, T., Fenn, J., Sprich, J., Schuldzinski, D., Teichmann, J., Estadieu, L., & Kiesel, A. (in prep). Improving the Quantitative and Qualitative Test-Retest Reliability of Cognitive-Affective Maps – Investigating the Acceptance of Socially Assistive Robots as a Use-Case.
• Gros, W., Fenn, J., Reuter, L., & Kiesel, A. (in prep). CAMediaid: Multimethod approach to assess Cognitive-Affective Maps for opinion change – A quantitative validation study.
• Gros, W., Thessmann, A., & Gorki, M. (in prep). Kleiner Akademischer Pflasterpführer.
• Gros, W., & Gorki, M. (in prep). Zum Zierrat einer studentischen Sommerresidenz – Der beispiellose Fries des Freiburger Sommerkarzers.

in prep (co-author)

• Heinzmann, A., Kiesel, A., de Wall, M., Gros, W., Reuter, L. (submitted). Universal Basic Income meets Basic Needs: A Qualitative Analysis of Cognitive-Affective Maps.
• Vössing, C., Hoppe, T., Gros, W., Fenn, J., Kiesel, A., Schwichow, M., Rieß, W., & Endres, T. (submitted). Empirics with Practical Impact: Communicating Educational Research Effective by Adapting to Teachers Demands. The Project “Communication of Evidence‑Based Education for Sustainable Development in Schools”.
• Fenn, J., Gorki, M., Bugler, S., Thomaschke, R., Böffel, C., Gros, W., & Kiesel, A. (in prep). Challenging the Biomimetic Promise 2.0: Negative Spillover of Nature-Centric versus Sustainability Framing on Public Perceptions of Bio-Inspired Technologies.
• Gorki, M., Fenn, J., Reuter, L., Gros, W., & Kiesel, A., (in prep). How do “laypersons’” conceptualize sustainability? Mapping a contested concept.
• Carmelo Pérez Cubillas, C.P., Prada, C.R., Orgaz, C., Mayas, J., Martínez, A., Canto, P.G., Rodríguez, A., Fenn, J., Gros, W., Voormann, A., Gorki, M., Laborda, M., Miguez, G., Angulo, R., Jiménez, B., López, W., García, J.E., Oktem, E., Oezoglu, E., Kharlamov, N., Wagoner, B., Awad, S., Escobar, M., Marruffo, D.T., Borges, F.T., Gandolfo, M.I., Flores, C., García, J., & McConnell, B. (in prep). Myths in Psychology: Psychological Misconceptions among First Semester Psychology Students in Different Countries.

Several guided tours in German or English can be inquired or take place every semester within the context of the Studium Generale and the Uniseum:

• Carcer (Student Prisons) / Karzer (Studentengefängnisse)
• Cobbled Mosaics / Pflastermosaike
• University Buildings in the Old Town / Kollegiengebäude in der Altstadt
• Old Cemetery / Alter Friedhof
• History of the Psychology and Mental Hospital in Freiburg / Geschichte der Psychologie und Kreispflegeanstalt in Freiburg
• …and of course the Uniseum

• 2024
  • Lu, C.-H. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Prompting Prior Knowledge and Attitudes on the Retest-Reliability of Cognitive-Affective Maps (CAMs): A Focus on Soft Robots. Bachelorarbeit.
  • Morschett, R. (2024). Are Shared Attitudes More Stable than Individual Attitudes? A Qualitative Assessment of Cognitive-Affective Maps (CAMs). Bachelorarbeit.
• 2023
  • Heinzmann, A. (2023). Bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen und Bedürfnisse: Eine qualitative Analyse von Cognitive-Affective Maps. Bachelorarbeit.
  • Sprich, J. S. (2023). Validierung der Methode des Cognitive-Affective Mappings – eine qualitative Analyse zur Re-Test Reliabilität. Bachelorarbeit.
  • Sulger, R. (2023). Wie zuverlässig erfassen Cognitive Affective Maps kognitive Konzepte und deren affektive Bewertung? – Eine quantitative Studie zur Re-Test Reliabilität. Bachelorarbeit.
  • Wörz, M. (2023). Zusammenhänge zwischen Einstellungen zum Bedingungslosen Grundeinkommen und demographischen Variablen – eine explorative Untersuchung mit Cognitive-Affective Maps. Bachelorarbeit.

• Right now, I am offering a Master Skill for developing a special guided tour / Schauspielführung.

• WiSe 2025/26
  • Wissenschaftliche Konzepte und Methoden, Ethik und Berufsrecht
• SoSe 2025
  • Grundlagen der Pädagogik für die Psychotherapie
• WiSe 2024/25
  • Health Psychology and Communication Skills (@ IES Abroad Freiburg)
• SoSe 2024
  • Testtheorie und Testkonstruktion
• WiSe 2023/24
  • Wissenschaftliche Konzepte und Methoden, Ethik und Berufsrecht
• WiSe 2022/23
  • Wissenschaftliche Konzepte und Methoden, Ethik und Berufsrecht
    

• First Aid Courses in German and English as well as mentor for trainee first aid instructors

• WiSe 2025/26
  • Motivate a Sustainable Design of Soft Robots from a Layperson Perspective – A Transdisciplinary Approach. (Presentation @ Colloquium Cognition, Action and Sustainability)
  • Blut auf dem Campus – 500 Jahre akademischer Gewalt (Presentation @ Uniseum Freiburg)
  • Spaziergang über den Alten Friedhof (Guided Tour @ Studium Generale)
  • Blut auf dem Campus – 500 Jahre akademischer Gewalt (Presentation @ Rotary Club Bad Krozingen)
  • Geschichte der Psychologie und Kreispflegeanstalt in Freiburg (Presentation @ Orientation Week Freiburg)
• SoSe 2025
  • Spaziergang über den Alten Friedhof (Guided Tour @ Studium Generale)
• WiSe 2024/25
  • Improving the reliability of CAM measurements (Presentation @ Colloquium Cognition, Action and Sustainability)
  • Should be done once – The Carcer Cells of the University of Freiburg (Special series of guided tours and presentations @ Studium Generale)
    • Die Tragikomik eines akademischen Lebens um 1912 – Der beispiellose Fries des Freiburger Sommerkarzers
    • Karzergeschichten: Rühmliches und Unrühmliches aus dem echten Leben
    • Literarische Karzergeschichten
  • Spaziergang über den Alten Friedhof (Guided Tour @ Studium Generale)
  • Geschichte der Psychologie und Kreispflegeanstalt in Freiburg (Presentation @ Orientation Week Psychology)
• SoSe 2024
  • CAMediaid: Multimethod approach to assess Cognitive-Affective Maps for opinion change – A quantitative validation study (Presentation @ 53rd DGPs Congress Vienna, Austria)
• WiSe 2023/24
  • Cognitive-Affective Maps (CAMs) – Quantitative-Qualitative Retest Reliability (Poster @ RED – Renewable Energy Day Freiburg)
  • Cognitive-Affective Maps (CAMs) – Quantitative-Qualitative Retest Reliability (Poster @ livMatS retreat in Breisach)
• WiSe 2022/23
  • Reliability of Cognitive-Affective Mapping (Presentation @ livMatS Conference Freiburg)
  • Cognitive-Affective Mapping (CAM) as Measurement Tool – Elaboration of Reliability Criteria (Presentation @ Colloquium Cognition, Action and Sustainability)
  • Reliability of Cognitive-Affective Maps (Presentation @ livMatS retreat in Karlsruhe)

• 2022 – present
  • PhD in Psychology, Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS)
• 2017 – present
  • Tour guide at the Uniseum, Museum of the University of Freiburg
• 2018 – 2022
  • Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Freiburg
  • Thesis title: CAMediaid: Multimethod approach to assess Cognitive-Affective Maps in mediation – A quantitative validation study
• 2014 – 2018
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Freiburg
  • Thesis title: Die Werbung im Wandel des Weltenlaufs

• Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer des Alten Friedhofs in Freiburg e.V.
• Freundeskreis Geschichte der Universität Freiburg e.V.