Background:
Synchrony has been broadly defined as the spatial and temporal coordination of micro- and macro-scale biological and behavioural dynamics between individuals. This phenomenon has been referenced across biological mechanisms such as heart-rate rhythms, reciprocal adaptation during early development, and imitation through the ‘mirror neuron system’. More recently, neuroimaging techniques have been used to demonstrate that some brain areas synchronize in individuals engaging in joint social interactions. Co-operative, but not obstructive/competitive behaviour between adults, and adults and children engaging in game play has been shown to elicit synchronized activation in the frontal and temporal cortices. Further, brain-to-brain synchrony is linked to longer gaze and positive affect. A few mechanisms of brain-to-brain synchrony have been proposed. Neuro-computational accounts propose that synchronization can be explained by reducing prediction error between the ‘actual’ state/representation in one brain, and the other brain’s ‘predicted’ state/representation. At the brain network level, synchronization is proposed to be the outcome of the integration of brain areas involved in mentalizing (predictions of beliefs and intentions), the mirror neuron system (imitating motor action), and reward-systems between individuals in joint interactions. The current longitudinal project aims to build on these accounts by investigating brain-to-brain synchrony in infant-mother dyads and follow how it develops over the first few years of infants’ lives.
Funding:
The studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The successful candidate will join a team primarily supervised by Dr. Sobana Wijeakumar (Psychology, University of Nottingham) and Dr. Line Caes (Psychology, University of Stirling). The position will be based in the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham. A stipend will be provided to cover living costs and Home fees (Living costs £15,285, Home fees £4,407). The successful candidate must be able to commence their doctoral study on the 1st of December 2021. Psychology/Neuroscience candidates with experience collecting and analysing fNIRS data on infants, children and/or adults are particularly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 20th August 2021
How to apply:
All applications are to be made directly to the University via the MyNottingham application portal, selecting PhD Psychology (36 months duration) as the course. In the research proposal section please include “Sobana Wijeakumar PhD position” in the title. You are required to upload the following documents to your application:
(1) A two-page CV
(2) A one-page summary of why you would like to be considered for this position.
(3) Academic transcripts of undergraduate and/or postgraduate degrees and certificates where applicable.
(4) Two academic letters of reference.
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