Auditory Grouping and Scene Analysis

School of Life and Health Sciences (Psychology)

Title: Auditory Grouping and Scene Analysis

Full-Time PhD Studentship (3 years)

Applications are invited for a Full-Time Three Year Research Studentship under the supervision of Professor Brian Roberts (Psychology Subject Group). The project will contribute to the research activities of the Sensory and Perceptual Systems Research Group in the School of Life and Health Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham, UK.

The Project:

Hearing is the process by which we perceive objects and events in the world from the sounds that they produce. Since it is rare for only one source of sound to be active at any one time, the auditory system must be able to group together those acoustic elements that come from one source and to segregate those that come from other sources. Without a solution to this “auditory scene analysis” problem, our perceptions of sound would not correspond to the events that produced them.

In principle, any behavioural research (psychophysical, perceptual, cognitive methods) in the field of auditory grouping and scene analysis is permissible, using human listeners with normal hearing. There are many possibilities, but three areas which may prove particularly fruitful are: (1) the dynamics of auditory stream segregation; (2) the perceptual organization of speech; (3) the auditory continuity illusion. More information on the project, and on the research activities of the project supervisor, can be found on the homepage of Professor Roberts: http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/staff/az-index/robertsb/

Informal enquiries to Professor Roberts are welcome and encouraged (email: [Email Address Removed]).

Financial Support:

This studentship is fully funded for Home/EU applicants; it provides a tax-free stipend of approximately £13,590 per annum and payment of Home/EU tuition fees only. Please note: This studentship does not cover the tuition fees for overseas (non-EU) applicants. The studentship is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress review at the end of the first year, with an anticipated start date of 1st October 2012 for Registration.

Application Requirements:

• Eligible Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a good Bachelor Honours degree (either First Class or Upper Second Class) or to hold a Masters Degree in a relevant discipline.
• You should be enthusiastic and have a strong interest in science.
• If you are an EU Applicant, you will need to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English Language skills, with a minimum score of 620 (260 minimum in computer test) in TOEFL or IELTS with minimum marks of 6.5 in each section and an overall band of 7.0.
• To apply, please complete the on-line application form at
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/postgraduate-research/apply/
and please quote the Reference ‘Psychology-Roberts’ on all applications.
• Applicants should provide a clear indication of their specific research interests.

The Closing Date for applications is: Friday, 15th June 2012