Edgar Erdfelder

Edgar Erdfelder is a Full Professor of Psychology at the University of Mannheim, Germany, holding the Chair of Cognitive Psychology and Individual Differences since 2008. He is affiliated with the School of Social Sciences and has made significant contributions to cognitive psychology, statistical modeling, and decision-making research. Previously, he served as Full Professor at the University of Mannheim (2002–2008), Associate Professor at the University of Giessen (2001–2002), and Senior Lecturer at the University of Bonn (1987–2001).

• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Trier (1986)
• Habilitation in Psychology, University of Bonn (2000)
• Diploma (M.Sc.) in Psychology, University of Göttingen (1980)

Erdfelder's research focuses on statistical power analysis, multinomial processing tree (MPT) modeling, sequential statistical inference, and cognitive modeling. His work explores judgment and decision-making through mathematical and computational frameworks, integrating signal-detection theory with threshold models. He developed the widely used GPOWER software for statistical power analysis and advanced MPT models to measure cognitive process speeds.

His recent publications with students highlight applications of Bayesian sequential methods, meta-analyses of sleep effects on memory, and theoretical extensions of the recognition heuristic. These studies span subfields like cognitive architecture, decision theory, and experimental design.

• Martin Irle Award (2020)
• Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (2016)
• Heinz Heckhausen Award (1988)

Erdfelder has held leadership roles, including Vice President of Research at the University of Mannheim and Academic Director of the Center of Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences funded by the DFG. He mentored numerous Ph.D. students and led the DFG-funded Research Training Group SMiP, focusing on statistical modeling in psychology.