Eye movements and reading at sentence and line boundaries: exploring wrap-up and return-sweep effects.

Reading is a crucial skill in society today. Much has been learned about the processes involved in natural reading by examining the movement of readers eyes. However, we know more about the eye-movements that occur between words within a sentence than we do about the eye-movements that cross a sentence boundary. Also, our knowledge of return sweeps--the large right to left eye movements that bring a readers eye from the end of one line to the beginning of the next--is largely limited to a description of their physical characteristics.

This project will explore readers’ ability to gain preview benefit and use predictability information across these sentence and line boundaries. The results of this project have major implications for the EZ-Reader model of eye movement control which Microsoft is currently interested in extending to simulate reading of larger passages. This project would therefore require use of high speed eye tracking equipment and fast computer monitors in order to collect the necessary gaze contingent eye fixation data. The project will provide an excellent PhD training opportunity to the most promising candidate who has a strong background in experimental psychology.

How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Master’s degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.