EASTBIO: Representing space, time, and number in the human brain: A developmental and EEG investigation

This fully funded, 4-year PhD project is part of a competition funded by the BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership.

Estimating the magnitude of various quantities, such as space, time, and number, is essential for the survival and fitness of members of many species. For example, it plays a crucial role in determining where and when to forage or where and how to find mates. Humans are particularly well equipped to do this task. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms that allows us to express these abilities are currently not well understood, despite decades of research. There are two opposing views on their implementation. One proposal, the common-process hypothesis, posits that there is a single common representational system that processes all magnitudes. The other proposal, the distinct-process hypothesis, argues that each of these is processed by a distinct system, specialised for that specific task, albeit with some overlap with other magnitude systems.

This project will rigorously test, using two distinct but converging approaches, these two proposals by assessing the developmental trajectory of these mechanisms as well as their neural implementation.

First, we will determine whether and how children conjointly develop the ability to evaluate magnitudes by assessing the developmental trajectory of magnitude tasks. Importantly, we will examine the development of co-dependency between these domains. The common-process hypothesis predicts that these abilities co-develop at the same rate. Second, we will use cognitive neuroscience techniques, specifically electroencephalography (EEG), to determine whether the various magnitude systems originate from a common underlying mechanism. We will employ both univariate (e.g., N2pc component) and multivariate (e.g., classification and RSA approaches) analyses of EEG signals to determine whether the various magnitude systems share a neural signature. We will also examine the extent of neural co-dependency among the magnitude systems. The common-process hypothesis predicts that they should have a common neural signature and be co-dependent with each other but not with non-magnitude domains such as working memory and language. The outcomes of these studies will help distinguish between the two hypotheses regarding the implementation of magnitude systems.

This project is ideal for an enthusiastic candidate, with a background in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Biology, Computer Science, or related fields, who is not only interested in exploring the neural and developmental origins of a fundamental cognitive ability but is also willing to undertake training in a range of topics and skills, including working with children, implementing EEG experiments and analysing the resulting data, as well as programming in MATLAB.

For further project information please contact the lead project supervisor by selecting the first listed name at the top of this advert and sending your enquiry.

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ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

All students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on funding for postgraduate training and development. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Terms and conditions for training funding – UKRI.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Please visit this page for full application information: https://biology.ed.ac.uk/eastbio/how-to-apply
• Please send your completed EASTBIO application form, along with academic transcripts and certificates to pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk
• Please ensure that two references are submitted by the deadline using the EASTBIO reference form (available here). If the references are not included with your application, they must be sent directly to pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk with the subject line: "EASTBIO Reference – [Your Name]".
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that references are submitted by the deadline (17^th January). We will not request academic references on your behalf.
• Please ensure you submit all the required information and documentation. Due to workload constraints, we are unable to follow up on missing documents or process incomplete applications.
• If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk