Supplementing the visual world with sound: How audio information changes our visual representation of scenes

Abstract:
There is more visual information available than we can process in any given moment. In order to interact with the world, we ‘sample’ our visual environment by moving our eyes 3-4 times per second to fixate critical information. The regions we fixate determine what we then consciously perceive and act on. There is a range of visual factors that can bias where we look; however, our day-to-day experience involves multiple senses. This project will investigate how we incorporate other modalities, particularly environmental sounds, to direct our gaze and ultimately affect how we understand our visual world. Sub-projects can include investigating how auditory stimuli affect where we look in scenes as well as how sounds affect scene recognition and memory. Methodologies will include, among others, eye tracking and image manipulation.

Details:
Applications for this studentship are invited from suitably qualified graduates. Candidates should typically hold, or expect to hold, the equivalent of a first degree with a minimum of 2:1 and a Master’s degree with research methods training appropriate to the discipline, with a dissertation mark of at least 65%. Candidates will be interviewed in person, or via telephone or Skype, as part of the selection process. EU applicants may be required to provide evidence of competence in the English Language.

To discuss the application process, please contact the UEA PGR Office - email: [Email Address Removed] - tel: (01603) 591709.