Using Game Theory to assess the effects of social norms and social networks on adolescent smoking in schools: a proof of concept study

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED

This study will contrast two school-based smoking prevention interventions among adolescents in the UK and Colombia, in order to better understand social norms-based mechanisms of action. In a before and after design, the student will help obtain psychosocial, friendship and behavioural data (e.g. attitudes and intentions towards smoking and vaping) from students from 3 schools for each intervention in the UK and the same number in Colombia. Pre and post intervention, participants will take part in a number of different Game Theory based experiments that will permit the assessment of their judgements about the social appropriateness of a range of smoking-related behaviours, and the estimation of individual sensitivity to social norms in order to estimate how social norms (related to smoking) have changed, how sensitivity to classroom and year group norms have changed and how individual changes are related to changes among friends. Using the results of these experiments, the influence of individual student attributes and their social networks will be assessed within a Markov Chain Monte Carlo framework. Putative mechanisms will be inferred by triangulating the experiments with qualitative data and by the contrast between two interventions and countries where putative mechanisms and norms are different.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant public health, psychology, economics or social sciences subject

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/

PLEASE NOTE:

This project will involve Regulated Activity (working with children and/or vulnerable groups).

The successful applicant will be required to supply their details to the School Postgraduate Office in order for a criminal history check to be undertaken (Enhanced Disclosure Checks). The project will be conditional on the successful applicant being issued with a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.