Matthias O. Müller

Impact of working memory training on memory performance in old-old adults

Memory impairments constitute an increasing objective and subjective problem with advancing age. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of working memory training on memory performance. The authors trained a sample of 80-year-old adults twice weekly over a time period of 3 months. Participants were tested on 4 different memory measures before, immediately after, and 1 year after training completion. The authors found overall increased memory performance in the experimental group compared to an active control group immediately after training completion. This increase was especially pronounced in visual working memory performance and, to a smaller degree, also in visual episodic memory. No group differences were found 1 year after training completion. The results indicate that even in old?old adults, brain plasticity is strong enough to result in transfer effects, that is, performance increases in tasks that were not trained during the intervention.

How do we know who to include in collaborative research? Toward a method for the identification of experts

Collaborative research, defined as research involving actors participating in the problem situation under study, has an important role in operational research, strategic management and systems thinking. In a recent study, we found that a strong organizational focus incorporated into many soft operational research (OR) approaches is inadequate for studying societal problem situations, which are fragmented and have no clear boundary. Specifically, we failed to find a process of identifying individuals that is capable of representing the perspectives of actors and sufficient for research into societal problem situations. We found no clear terminology accounting for ontological differences between actors, individuals representing them and conceptual representations of acting entities. In response to this gap in the literature, we propose terminology that differentiates among actors (individuals or collective entities in the real world), experts (individuals capable of representing the perspective of an actor) and agents (ideal-typical representations of actors). Based on this terminology, we propose an iterative method to guide the assembly of an expert group to undertake collaborative research into societal problem situations. To demonstrate the application of our method, we present selected insights from our study in an electronic supplement.

How Should Public Policy Transform the Stock of Buildings Toward Energy Efficiency and Low Emissions? Results from a System Dynamics Modeling Study of Switzerland

We report on modeling work that shows how the market, technology, civil society and the state govern the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations in Switzerland’s stock of residential, multifamily buildings. The particular focus of this chapter is on the policy implications that we drew from an extensive System Dynamics modeling study. We conclude that energy efficiency is important, yet not sufficient in order to reach ambitious emission reduction goals. In addition to promoting energy efficiency, Switzerland should aim for a widespread decarbonization of heating systems. We discuss what kind of instruments can be used to address various policy levers in order to accelerate the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations. We propose two regulations that could serve as a framework for ambitious long-term decarbonization efforts. Finally, we propose a service innovation that could assist building owners in complying with the ambitious regulations required.

The Diffusion of Eco-Technologies: A Model-Based Theory

We propose a generic theory of the diffusion of eco-technologies that integrates properties of the market, technology, policy change, and public policy interventions. Eco-technologies are technologies that lead to reduced environmental stress compared to an incumbent, mainstream technology. Because our theory is generic, it can be applied to a wide set of different technologies. Methodologically, we rely on System Dynamics modeling and simulation to arrive at a dynamic, causally explicit, and endogenous explanation of the key feedback loops driving (or inhibiting) such diffusion processes. In addition to a description of our theory, we provide an extensive discussion of how the System Dynamics methodology can be used to conduct research and support policymaking in the context of eco-technologies.

A Feedback Perspective on the Diffusion of Energy-Efficient Renovations

This chapter addresses the following research question: “What are the most important processes which cause the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations” In order to answer this question, this chapter proposes a dynamic hypothesis of how important actors interact with each other and their environment in order to affect the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations. This chapter presents the main feedback loops that will be implemented into the large SD simulation model.