From theories of the homo politicus to policy studies
Interests, norms and strategic interactions
The research stream includes game theoretical research on the one hand, and development of sociodrama therapy on the other. Based on our earliertheoretical research, we have developed formal models of the logical structure of social norms and rational stereotypes. In our current research we aim at developing game theory and sociodrama therapy simultaneously.
Values, frames ans public attitudes
This research stream focuses on the motivations and constrains of social attitudes and actions (values, frames and cognitive frames). In addition, we have separated empirically the value dimensions of authoritarianism and religiosity - two aspects that have been strogly connected to one another in earlier research. Moreover, we have investigated the major aspects of tereotypes about welfare recipients.
Our current research aims at uncovering the diverging dynamics of autoritariansm and religiosity across different parts of the world. Moreover, we investigate framing effects on social attitudes in a research program where we cooperate with a large number (15+) of scholars from Hungary.
Urban-, environmental- and development studies
Topics related to this research stream include public policy, energy efficiency in urban environment, sustainability, local development, social capital and socio-economics. We focus on research projects closely related to the practice of local development. We have cooperate with Hungarian and German government agencies and ministries.
The major recent international research project have dealt with energy efficient urban development (“EnSURE” EU Central Europe), while our main domestic program aimed at developing a strategy for sustainable development of energy efficiency of the community of Óbuda-Békásmegyer (a district of Budapest). Moreover, we have participated in the 'Sustainable energetics' research university project at BME.