Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development
3 Year, full-time funded PhD studentship
Project title: Development of Word Learning Heuristics in Monolingual and
Bilingual Infants
Eligibility: Home UK/EU applicants who must be permanently resident in UK/EU
Closing date: 14 November 2019
Interviews: 10 December 2019
Start date: January 2020
Bursary p.a: £15,009 for 3 years
University fees and bench fees at the Home/EU rate will
be met by the University for the 3 years of the Studentship.
Supervisors: Prof. Vincent Connelly, Dr Nayeli Gonzalez-Gomez, Dr Olivia Afonso.
Project:
There is ample evidence that infants utilise a range of word learning
heuristics that enable them to build vocabulary. Research has suggested that
many of these heuristics rely on internal constraints and biases that limit the
potential referents of an unknown word or phrase, therefore, often allowing an
infant to form a reliable prediction of meanings. However, at present, the vast
majority of research on these heuristics is based upon monolingual infants and
often investigates each heuristic in isolation.
Bilingualism is particularly interesting in relation to many of these
heuristics as a multilingual language environment has several key differences
in comparison to a monolingual setting . In fact, the mere principle of
learning two or more languages can be considered to contradict the theories of some
of these heuristics. Additionally, the study of these heuristics in isolation
does not present a realistic representation of how infants are exposed to
information and cues in their environment (e.g., combining referential cues
with syntactic cues)
A PhD in this area
would aim to further understanding of the development
of word learning heuristics in monolingual and bilingual infants. This
could include whether these populations demonstrate different patterns in the
development and use of word learning heuristics, or how they combine
information from different sources to form word meaning predictions. The
successful applicant will be expected to design and run studies, analyse and interpret
experimental data. There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6
hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a
teaching skills course without further remuneration.
For further
information contact:
Dr Nayeli
Gonzalez-Gomez n.gonzalez-gomez@brookes.ac.uk
Requirements:
Applicants should have (or be expecting) a first class or upper second class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or acceptable equivalent qualification in psychology or related cognate discipline (knowledge of research design and statistics is essential). EU Applicants must have a valid IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall minimum score of 7.0 and no score below 6.0 issued in the last 2 years by an approved test centre. We are prepared to consider alternative acceptable evidence of English Language ability.
How to apply:
Applications should be sent to
hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk and should include an application form
(
http://www.hls.brookes.ac.uk/images/research/phd-studentship-application-form-jan-14.doc) and a project proposal (max 2000 words) including background, aims and an outline of how those aims will be addressed. Applicants can liaise with Professor Vincent Connelly when developing their proposal.
Completion of a DBS check is required on enrolment the cost of this will be covered by the University.