Project Description
The University of Roehampton’s Department of Psychology will fund two studentships in 2018. Three projects have been identified, each of which offers an opportunity to be part of a research programme. Projects attracting the best two applicants will be awarded a PhD bursary starting in January 2018. You will engage in PhD study full time and integrate into the life of the Department of Psychology, working with academic colleagues and undergraduate students.
Background: Selective attention allows us to ignore or actively suppress what is task-irrelevant and focus on what is task-relevant. According to the prominent 'load theory' of selective attention and cognitive control, the ability to focus attention improves under conditions of high perceptual load such as an increase in the amount of visual stimulation but deteriorates under conditions of high load on cognitive control processes such as working memory (Lavie & Dalton, 2013; de Fockert, 2013). A substantial body of evidence agrees that if a task imposes high perceptual demands, task-irrelevant distractors can often be ignored successfully. However, whether high cognitive load increases distractor processing, or protects from distraction by exerting top-down control, similar to perceptual load (Berti & Schröger, 2003; Sörqvist, Dahlström, Karlsson & Rönnberg 2016), is an ongoing debate.
Aims: The primary objective of this project is to systematically investigate the neural correlates underpinning role of cognitive load on suppression of distracting visual stimuli in humans. A further objective is to understand the neural correlates that are responsible for mediating individual differences in susceptibility to distraction.
We will also establish if measures of distractibility and working memory capacity can be used as diagnostic tests to predict which individuals in the general population are more susceptible to distraction in daily life under pressure such as while studying or working. The proposed work will confirm whether measures of distractibility could serve as potential markers to detect individuals with distractibility issues and promote early interventions.
Methodology and the proposed schedule: To test our research questions we will combine neuropsychological methods across the three years of the programme including electroencephalography (EEG) / event-related potential (ERP) technique (1st year); combined EEG/ERP with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (2nd year) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) (3rd Year).
Further information:
Informal enquiries should be directed to giorgio.fuggetta@roehampton.ac.uk
Requirements:
Applicants are expected to have a first or upper second-class undergraduate degree in experimental psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or a related degree and a relevant Masters qualification, or an undergraduate degree with significant research experience (e.g. student assistant in a laboratory). Good programming skills (e.g. E-prime, Matlab) and experience with human neuroscience techniques (fMRI, TMS/tDCS and/or EEG/MEG) are highly desirable.
Eligibility and how to apply:
In order to be eligible, applicants should hold a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification) and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related subject. The successful candidate should be available to start on 1st October 2017.
The application process:
To apply, please email the following to pgresearch@roehampton.ac.uk with RPS Psychology Studentship AND the first three words of the project title in the subject heading.
1) A copy of your CV including copies of your academic qualifications.
2) A cover letter stating the reasons you are applying for this studentship and outlining your expertise and relevant skills. Please also address in two paragraphs maximum why you are interested in this specific research project and which research methods you would use to conduct the research.
3) A completed Application Form for PhD Study (RDB1) downloadable at http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/Courses/Graduate-School/Application-Packs/.
4) Note that references are to be submitted by your referees separately to this email address, by the deadline.
The closing date for applications is: 12.00 midday Friday 3rd November 2017
Interviews to be held: November 2017, date to be confirmed.
Start date for post: 6th January 2019.
*Recipients of these studentships will be covered for Home/EU fees, and recipients due to pay overseas fees will be required to pay the difference between Home/EU and overseas tuition fee rates. Further details of International Fees can be found here:
http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/Finance/Postgraduate-Finance/
Funding Notes
Funding is available for UK/EU and International* students at Home/EU rates for three years full-time study. The Bursary includes tuition waiver for PhD at UK/EU fees and stipend at £16,296 (rates as at 2016/17). *(see end note)
For further information and to apply click here
