The Psychology of Online Virtual Environments and Online Gaming

This project would be part of an ongoing programme of research on psychological factors associated with the impact of the Internet, including the use of Online Virtual Environments (VLEs), Massively Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), Online Gambling sites, Social Networking Sites (SNS) and other forms of online media and technology. The research is also interested in the experiences of Internet users and the way they perceive technology in the 21st century.
The research could focus on groups with problematic Internet use behaviour, such as excessive use of SNS, MMORPGs, or on the general population. It could focus on one or several aspects, such as the assessment and measurement of Internet or video game addiction, psychological factors such as ‘flow’, or the application of social identity theory to the interpersonal perception of internet use. There is the potential to design a project to incorporate specific interests of the PhD student.

A successful applicant will join a thriving postgraduate community at the Kedleston Road site of the University of Derby, and will have a good (at least upper second) degree in psychology or a closely related subject, good quantitative research methods skills, and will be a well-organised, self-motivated researcher.

The University of Derby is pleased to welcome applications from self-funded or externally sponsored students for programmes of research in this or a closely related area, beginning from September 2012. Applications are welcome from students wishing to study full time or part time, and applications are welcome from students in employment who have the support of their employers.

The University of Derby provides PhD students with a range of facilities and support, including dedicated office space, PC and IT facilities, and library services, and all PhD students in Psychology are members of the Centre for Psychological Research, an active community of psychological researchers – see http://www.derby.ac.uk/science/psychology/the-centre-for-psychological-research

At the University of Derby, the Traditional Route PhD is taken by students who already have a Masters level qualification that includes research methods. Students without previous Masters level training in research methods take the New Route PhD, which includes training in research methods.

Details of the application process, including fees, are given here: http://www.derby.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/applicants

Prior to making a formal application, applicants are advised to contact the supervisor for an initial informal discussion about the proposed project