Prof. Yuanwei YAO

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. (Psychology), 2022, Freie Universität Berlin
• M.Sc. (Psychology), 2018, Beijing Normal University
• B.Sc. (Psychology), 2015, Beijing Normal University

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Decision-making: Neural and cognitive processes related to various decision situations (e.g., monetary and social), using a combination of behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, meta-analysis, and computational modeling.

Internet Psychology: Effects of internet use on human cognition. My previous research focused on decision-making and reward processing deficits in internet use disorders.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Yao, Y. W., Song, K. R., Schuck, N. W., Li, X., Fang, X. Y., Zhang, J. T., Heekeren, H. R., & Bruckner, R. (2023). The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex is involved in subjective value representation across effort-based and risky decision-making. NeuroImage, 279, 120326.

Yao, Y. W., Zhang, J. T., Fang, X. Y., Liu, L., & Potenza, M. N. (2022). Reward‐related decision‐making deficits in internet gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Addiction, 117, 19-32.

Lopez-Gamundi, P*., Yao, Y. W*., Chong, T. T., Heekeren, H. R., Herrero, E. M., & Pallares, J. M. (2021). The neural basis of effort valuation: A meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 131, 1275-1287.

Yao, Y. W., Liu, L., Worhunsky, P. D., Lichenstein, S., Ma, S. S., Yang, S., Zhang, J. T., & Yip, S. W. (2020). Is monetary reward processing altered in drug-naïve youth with a behavioral addiction? Findings from internet gaming disorder. NeuroImage: Clinical, 26, 102202.

Yao, Y. W*., Chen, P. R*., Li, C. R., Hare, T. A., Li, S., Zhang, J. T., Liu, L., Ma, S. S., & Fang, X. Y. (2017). Combined reality therapy and mindfulness meditation decrease intertemporal decisional impulsivity in young adults with Internet gaming disorder. Computers in Human Behavior, 68, 210-216.

RESEARCH LABORATORY

Addiction, Cyberpsychology & Choice (ACC) Lab

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We are looking for motivated students. Please get in touch with Dr. Yao if you are interested in joining us.