The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research.
There is limited knowledge about experiences of people living with younger-onset dementia, which is recognised as requiring global attention (Ryan et al., 2022). In comparison with older dementia patients, YOD patients show worse performance on attention and visuospatial tasks, yet often have preserved memory skills at the onset of the disorder (Smits et al., 2012). Therefore, visuospatial attention is a critical function to examine in YOD groups. Impaired visuospatial and attentional functions can cause a unique set of challenges including difficulties in wayfinding (Mishler & Neider, 2017). It is important to understand wayfinding challenges specific to YOD individuals, and to build an evidence base of how enhancements can be made. Thus, the proposed PhD research will examine how wayfinding disruptions impact people living with YOD, and the potential for low-cost signage solutions to mitigate its impact.
This role involves working with an interdisciplinary team to conduct mixed-methods research. It will include qualitative research on wayfinding challenges faced by people with YOD, and quantitative research on how changes to the placement and appearance of wayfinding cues (e.g., signage) may impact how people with YOD can find their way around simulation and in-situ spaces. This project has the scope to use techniques such as mobile eye-tracking to address the research questions.
The successful candidate will be based in the Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, Paisley Campus, with additional guidance and support from the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP; Lanarkshire Campus). Find out more about the school here: https://www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/academic-schools/school-of-education-social-sciences/ and the ASCPP here: https://www.uws.ac.uk/research/research-institutes-centres-groups/alzheimer-scotland-centre-for-policy-and-practice/
The studentship is open to UK citizens and EU applicants with pre-settled or settled status. Candidates should hold a first- or second-class honours degree from a university in the United Kingdom in a relevant discipline. Please quote the Project Reference number above when submitting your research proposal.
The studentship will commence on 1st October 2023.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr. Bianca Hatin ([Email Address Removed]) but applicants can only be accepted through the UWS online system (Apply to Study at UWS)
Application Deadline - 31/08/2023
Start Date - 01/11/2023
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