The Center for Adaptive Behavior and Cognition investigates reasoning and decision making under uncertainty at the levels of both individuals and social groups. The research group consists of psychologists, mathematicians, computer scientists, evolutionary biologists, economists, and researchers from other fields. With different methodological abilities, such as experimental methods, computer simulation, and mathematical analysis, they cooperate in solving the same problems.

The ABC program combines a strong theoretical focus with practical applications, that is, the research group both develops specific models and explores their applications. Applications range from helping physicians and patients understand the statistical evidence arising from medical research, helping courts, administrators, and legislators understand the importance of heuristic thinking in the law, and improving teaching practices in statistical education by introducing transparent representation formats. The theoretical focus is on rationality and can be divided into three aspects: bounded, ecological, and social rationality.