Embodied and situated bases of knowledge representations (Advert ref: RDF18/PSY/MYACHYKOV)

This project will focus on the analysis of mental representations activated during language use, estimating numerical magnitude and during mental arithmetic, and perceiving manipulation affordances. Interdisciplinary nature of this proposal requires grounding in both psychological and linguistic methods and analyses.

One of the central questions in cognitive science concerns the nature of conceptual knowledge and the corresponding brain representations. Existing evidence suggests that (1) general cognitive processes play role during acquisition and subsequent retrieval of both abstract and concrete concepts and that (2) distinct concepts often share representational properties allowing for cross-domain priming effects. However, it’s uncertain whether the reported cross-domain priming effects are based on simultaneous access to the shared general cognitive systems (interface) or on co-activation of the shared representational features (overlap). The current project will address these two theoretical questions. The experimental methodology will combine priming, eye-tracking, cueing tasks, reaction-time chronometry, and extemporaneous visual-world language production and comprehension tasks

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 28 January 2018
Start Date: 1 October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.

Informal Enquiries
Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to (academic preferred contact tel/email details):
[Email Address Removed]