UK : Psychology PhD studentship Learning and Visual Attention Bangor University - School of Psychology

Prof Jane Raymond

Closing date: 28th June 2010

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship for 3 years full time study in the School of Psychology at Bangor University (start date Autumn 2010). The School of Psychology in Bangor was ranked 7th among Psychology departments in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, based on the quality of its research and academic environment.

The studentship includes payment of UK / EU level tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of approximately £13,290 p.a. and a research allowance of £750 p.a.

Project description

The project will explore the role of learning and motivation on visual attention and social cognition in healthy humans. Recent work from Prof Raymond's lab has shown that learned reward/punishment value associated with complex stimuli (e.g., faces) changes the way information is attended, perceived, remembered, and emotionally evaluated. The project will explore these effects in more detail with a specific emphasis on how reward and expectation modulate visual processing mechanisms in the brain. The project will involve EEG/ERP, behavioural approaches (chronometry and psychophysics) and/or fMRI, depending on the student's interests. Avenues for exploration include cognitive genetic phenotyping, addiction, and manipulation of emotional states.

Requirements

Applicants must have a first or upper second-class honours degree in Psychology or equivalent and we would normally expect applicants to have completed an appropriate Masters degree. International students are welcome to apply. However, our studentships only cover fees at the UK / EU level. The School offers a fee bursary of up to £4500 per annum for exceptional international students.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Raymond j.raymond@bangor.ac.uk

For details on how to apply please visit our website http://www.bangor.ac.uk/psychology/postgraduate/studentships. The closing date for applications is the 28th June 2010. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Committed to Equal Opportunities