Exploration of maths anxiety and its consequences

Maths anxiety has been defined as feelings of tension and anxiety that interfere with the manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in educational settings and in everyday life. The mechanisms linking maths anxiety to maths performance and achievement are relatively unknown; this PhD would focus on elucidating some potential mechanisms. The role of worry, intrusive thoughts and calculation strategy could be examined in children or adults using, for example, questionnaire, self-report, dot probe or eye-tracking. Alternatively, the role of maths self-efficacy could be examined, or the PhD could focus on interventions to reduce maths anxiety and its consequences.

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.