PhD Studentship: Limitations in bounded-rational probability updating

Project Title: Limitations in bounded-rational probability updating

Department of Psychology

Closing Date: Friday December 16^th 2022 17:00

Invitations are invited for a three-year PhD training studentship, sponsored by EOARD/ AFOSR. This award will be held at the Department of Psychology, City, University of London.  The successful candidate will be supervised primarily by Prof. Emmanuel Pothos and Dr. James Yearsley, both at City, University of London.

The title of the project is “Limitations in bounded-rational probability updating.” We will use cutting-edge empirical and theoretical tools, from probability theory and decision research, to build models and ideas for how humans deal with probability updating, under information overload. A distinctive aspect of our work is that, together with established methods from Bayesian theory, we also employ the probability rules from quantum theory. Concerning the latter, we are one of the leading research labs internationally pursuing applications of quantum theory in cognition.

This research benefits from an extensive collaborative network, on both decision making and quantum cognition, both at City, University of London and internationally, including in Canada, Germany, Poland, and the USA. Moreover, London offers a vibrant environment for academic work (benefiting from a large concentration of world-leading universities) and personal enjoyment (London is an exciting European capital, with lots to offer in terms of culture, entertainment, diversity, sport, etc.).

Start date and duration

We are hoping to hold interviews within the first two weeks of January 2023. A proposed start date would be February 1^st 2023, but there is flexibility to accommodate particular needs, such as international students. PhDs in the UK are intended to be completed within three years (the available funding is for three years).

What is Offered

A doctoral studentship will provide:

• An annual stipend of £22,278
• A full tuition-fee waiver for both UK and international students.
• Research costs within the grant.

Essential characteristics of applicants

• Good knowledge of English, please see PhD/MPhil Psychology • City, University of London
• To hold, or achieve before admission, an upper second-class or first-class honours degree or Master’s degree, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in any of the following disciplines: Cognitive Science/ psychology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and related disciplines. Applicants in the process of obtaining such a degree can also apply.
• A motivation to engage with the project topic and interest in the research area.
• Personal qualities, such as independent thinking, good writing in English, and technical (mathematical/ computational/ statistical) skills.

Desirable characteristics of applicants

• Experience with human experimental testing.

How to Apply

• Complete an application form by clicking here where you will be asked to register before you can complete your application.
• Upload a cover letter (two sides of A4 maximum) and one reference letter.
• Submit your online application form and supporting documents by December 16^th 2022 17:00.
• For informal inquiries, you are welcome to contact Emmanuel (Emmanuel.pothos.1@city.ac.uk).

PhD/MPhil Psychology ∙ City, University of London

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