Recent Posts
- Educating the researcher of the future: What can we learn from large transdisciplinary research projects?
- This is not art: why people differ in their appreciation of (abstract) art
- Antisociaal gedrag in crisistijd: waarom jongeren de kroon spannen
- When the mind’s eye is blind: why do some people lack mental imagery?
- ReproHackNL: How I experienced my first hackathon, in tweets
Categories
Hi, I'm Ilse van de Groep, PhD candidate in Psychology & Neuroscience.
I want to understand why people behave the way they do – especially if they display behavior that is in disregard of others. Where does this antisocial behavior come from, and how does it develop over time? To answer these questions, I conduct research that is characterized by multiple levels of explanation (e.g. behavioral, neural) and the use of several complementary techniques (MRI, computer tasks, questionnaires). Throughout my current and past research experiences, I have uncovered that I am particularly passionate about finding mechanistic explanations for complex social behavior. I also greatly enjoy the most creative aspects of doing research (e.g. designing studies, writing code, scientific writing). Moreover, I like to use my creative skills to share the newly acquired knowledge with a wider audience (e.g. blogging, workshops) or to create platforms and supporting media to enable this (e.g. building websites, graphic design, photography).
What I Do
Scientific Research
I have a passion for acquiring and advancing knowledge about complex (anti-)social behavior, the brain, and mental health issues. I am particularly interested in maladaptive social behavior (e.g. aggression), and the psychological and neural mechanisms that give rise to such behavior.
Data Visualization
One of my favorite aspects of data analysis and communicating my scientific findings is data visualization. I love creating beautiful graphs that convey complex information in a fast and simple way.
Science Communication
While I greatly enjoy doing research, I am also very passionate about communicating findings to a broader audience. I use different types of media, characterized by a clear and appealing design, to help others understand and benefit from scientific knowlegde.
Organization & Project Management
I can effectively coordinate (research-) projects from start to finish, combining organizational, problem-solving and technical skills. I work in a structured manner, with attention to details. I greatly value listening to and observing others, and creating an environment of trust and support.
Publications & Outreach

Onderwijs en veiligheid voor jongeren: een samenwerking tussen wetenschap en maatschappij
Graphic Design, Media Appearances, Science Communication
Overlapping and distinct neural correlates of self-evaluations and self-regulation from the perspective of self and others
Publications & Preprints
Longitudinal associations between social media use, mental well-being and structural brain development across adolescence
Publications & Preprints
Social Learning and the Brain: How Do We Learn From and About Other People?
Publications & Preprints, Science Communication
Interview: Hoe een masterprogramma en onderzoeksinstituten racisme en witte superioriteit tegengaan
Media Appearances, Science Communication
Radio Interview – The influence of the coronacrisis on Youth Criminality (Dutch)
Media Appearances, Science Communication
Jongerenmanifest NWO – Graphic Design
Graphic Design, Science Communication
E-Magazine “Het Jongerenbrein in de Coronacrisis” – Graphic Design
Graphic Design, Science Communication
RESIST Project Vlog
Science Communication
OCD-like checking in the lab: A meta-analysis and improvement of an experimental paradigm
Publications & Preprints