The University of Nottingham as part of Midlands Graduate School is inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Ilixa Ltd to commence in October 2019.
In this project, we aim to understand how neuroscientists "learn to see" with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Professional performance often depends upon the ability to understand complex visualizations. From radiologists detecting tumours through fashion designers interpreting patterns to create clothing such “professional vision” is a fundamental component of expertise.
fMRI measures brain activity and produces maps highlighting the regions involved in mental processes and is now commonplace in the social sciences. The media routinely refer fMRI and in so doing present an apparently easily understood image as a striking form of “visual proof”. Yet, these maps are complex representations whose interpretation is demanding and whose form differs fundamentally from other visualizations. Understanding what makes experts successful and the difficulties faced by novices will be crucial to developing best practice for the teaching of fMRI interpretation and in the design of new tools. To do so, we will analyse curricula in Higher Education (textbook analysis, interviews with students and their lecturers). Then, we will recruit experts and novices, and study how they interpret fMRI maps presented to them on an online viewer using methods such as eye tracking and protocol analysis. We hope to enable the development of new teaching approaches and better software packages.
How to Apply
View further information about the opportunity here.
Informal enquiries about the research prior to application can be directed to Shaaron.Ainsworth@nottingham.ac.uk
To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online here, provide a CV and a covering letter outlining the direction you would like to take with this project, along with two references email this to Chris Naylor (email: SS-PGRJC@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk).
Application deadline: Wednesday 6th March 2019
Posted on Monday 28th January 2019