The School of Psychology invites an enthusiastic applicant for a fully funded PhD studentship in Psychology sponsored by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey. This exciting 3.5 years programme aims to examine the possible hindering effect that aphantasia (inability to create mental images) might have on mathematics learning in children.
Visual imagery, the ability to create mental representations of things, people, and places, is an important skill in everyday life. Approximately 3% of the general population is unable to create and experience mental images; this is known as aphantasia. Aphantasia is related to different cognitive capabilities such as working memory, creativity, and problem-solving in adults. Therefore, it might have important consequences on academic achievements such as mathematics. Surprisingly, aphantasia has not been investigated in children and adolescents. In this project, we aim to develop a modified aphantasia questionnaire for adolescents, find about its prevalence and investigate aphantasia and its potential hindering effects on mathematics learning in students in Years 10-13 and adults and develop an effective intervention. The findings will have the potential of providing an important insight into learning difficulties in adolescents who may struggle with abstract mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and topography that heavily rely on mental imagery.
This studentship will allow an opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team that provide a nurturing environment for learning and development. We are looking for a candidate with a background in psychology, education, or related areas. Previous experience in statistics, large-scale data analysis, research experience in children, effective written and oral communication, together with a passion to learn and impact society will be advantageous. For any enquiries, please contact Dr Juha Silvanto ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Mojtaba Sotlanlou ([Email Address Removed]).
Principle Supervisor: Juha Silvanto
Juha Silvanto is a Reader and has a long background in studying visual imagery and its neural basis (e.g., Cattaneo et al. 2011, 2012). He is also an expert on aphantasia and has carried out studies on its links to working memory and other psychological functions (Jacobs et al. 2018; Pounder et al. 2022). He has a very rich background in supervising postdoctoral researchers, PhD, MSc and UG students in the last 15 years.
[Email Address Removed]
Entry requirements
Open to UK and international students with the project starting in October 2023. Note that a maximum of 30% of the studentships will be offered to international students.
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/psychology-phd#entry.
How to apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant principal supervisor(s) to discuss the project(s) before submitting their application.
Applications should be submitted via the https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/psychology-phd#apply programme page (N.B. Please select the October 2023 start date when applying).
You may opt to apply for a single project or for 2 of these Faculty-funded studentship projects.
When completing your application, in place of a research proposal, please provide a brief motivational document (1 page maximum) which specifies:
- the reference numbers(s) for the project or two projects you are applying for
- the project title(s) and principal supervisor name(s)
- if applying for two projects, please also indicate your order of preference for the projects
- an explanation of your motivations for wanting to study for a PhD
- an explanation of your reasons for selecting the project(s) you have chosen
Additionally, to complete a full application, you MUST also email a copy of your CV and 1-page motivational document directly to the relevant project principal supervisor of each project you apply for. Due to short turnaround times for applicant shortlisting, failure to do this may mean that your application is not considered.
Please note that online interviews for shortlisted applicants are expected to take place during the week commencing 30th January.
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