Funded Phd place: Joint action, play and narrative, University of, Sussex

EPSRC PhD Studentship available for October 2011         

*University of Sussex* - School of Psychology  

Children's social role play and the development of narrative are of central concern in developmental psychology and education: coordinating action with others and talking through ideas are crucial steps in development. Recently, several experimental technologies have emerged to support group play and story-telling in young children: the most successful have involved tangible digital objects that children can manipulate in a fairly natural way - see http://shareitproject.org/29  

This project provides the opportunity to evaluate such tools to investigate aspects of social play or narrative in primary-age children. Candidates would also have the opportunity to study children with  communication difficulties and/or autism, using our excellent existing contacts. The studies draw on the rich theoretical frameworks on joint attention and collaboration being developed in research with younger children and primates, but not yet applied to the understanding of supported collaboration in childhood. The project can involve close partnership with end users (schools and educational advisers) in order to form an evidence base for good practice and potentials for  intervention in this area. The specific focus of the Phd is flexible to enable best development of the interests and skills of the successful candidate. 

Applications for this funded studentship should be made by 3rd May 2011. The studentship pays the tuition fee and a maintenance allowance, currently £13,590 per annum (this includes a teaching commitment).  Home and international students are eligible to be considered for this studentship. For non-EU overseas applicants the contribution to tuition fees will be at the home tuition fee rate. The remainder of the tuition fee must be paid from elsewhere.  

Initial enquiries should be addressed to:  Postgraduate Coordinator: psychology@sussex.ac.uk  +44 (0)1273 876638  

Applicants can discuss their proposed DPhil project with Dr Nicola Yuill nicolay@sussex.ac.uk  before submitting their application.  

Details of application procedures can be found at:  http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/  

Candidates should provide:  

A personal statement detailing why you wish to carry out doctoral research (up to 1500 words).  This should include a discussion of your specific research interests within the scope of the advertised area.  
A teaching-related statement that addresses the normal expectation that you contribute to the demonstrating and small group teaching of statistics and experimental design (up to 300 words).  
A current transcript with full details of performance on all completed courses.  

Link to the ad http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ACK845/epsrc-phd-studentship-available-for-october-2011/ 

Link to ChaTLab http://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/research/chatlab