Investigating the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering by seniorsThe effects of front-of-pack food labelling systems and health claims on consumers’ food-related beliefs and behaviours

Investigating the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering by seniors: This project will quantify the physical and mental health outcomes of volunteering among seniors to provide evidence for policy development relating to volunteering. While there is some evidence that older people benefit from volunteering, there is inadequate data for policy development purposes. The results will also suggest ways to encourage older people to engage in volunteering by identifying effective ways to communicate the benefits to this audience. The appointed student will ideally have a qualification related to human physiology and strong writing and analytical skills.


The effects of front-of-pack food labelling systems and health claims on consumers’ food-related beliefs and behaviours: This project will investigate consumers’ reactions to varying combinations of front-of-pack food labels and health claims. The research project will include both qualitative and quantitative data collection stages. The results will be used to inform future food labelling regulatory changes in Australia and contribute to the limited international evidence base. The appointed student will need strong writing and analytical skills. Previous academic qualifications could include psychology, health promotion, nutrition, and/or consumer behaviour.

University

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology at Curtin University (http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/teaching/psych_home.cfm). Psychology at Curtin was ranked 4 our of 5 in the most recent Excellent in Research for Australia (ERA) exercise (corresponding to ‘Above World Ranking’) and the QS World University Rankings® by Subject list the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology in the world top 150. We have recently opened the extensive new Psychology Experimental Research Laboratories at Curtin (PERL-C), a world-class research facility located directly adjacent to our office space. Curtin University is ranked in the Top 50 Under 50, a ranking of the world’s top 50 universities established within the last 50 years, based on the highest performing young institutions in the QS World University Rankings®:
http://www.topuniversities.com/top-50-under-50/2013#sorting=rank+region=+country=+faculty=+stars=false+search=
The successful candidate will be aligned with one of the School’s research groups, which represent the key areas of research in the School (http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/teaching/psych_research.cfm).

Location

The university is located in Perth, Western Australia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth), rated the 9th most liveable city in the world (https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/18692034/perth-in-top-ten-most-liveable-cities/.

Candidates wishing to find more information about studying for a PhD at Curtin University may wish to watch the following video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B20-7RNCzo&feature=youtu.be