Fully funded 3-year PhD Studentship - Language Matters: a Comprehensive Analysis of Attentional Focus for Proprioception and Target Aiming

Supervisor: Dr Vicky Gottwald

Applications are invited for a three-year fully funded PhD studentship within the School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University. The studentship covers the full cost of tuition fees for PhD students, plus a maintenance stipend (approx. £17,668 per annum for 3 years) as well as a generous research allowance. The studentship will commence with a preferred start date of October 1^st 2023.

Project:

There is now robust literature demonstrating benefits of an external focus of attention for motor accuracy and economy. However, recent evidence suggests that a ‘somaesthetic awareness’ may facilitate performance when pertinent afferent information is proprioceptive in nature and subsequently congruent with attentional focus. The proposed studies aim to a) test these findings in an ecologically valid setting; b) employ interdisciplinary apparatus to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning any differences; and c) employ mixed-methods approaches to provide a richer understanding surrounding instructions for motor learning.

Supervision:

Vicky Gottwald is a skill acquisition researcher and member of the Institute of Psychology for Elite Performance at Bangor University.

Requirements:

Essential requirements:

• Masters level degree in sport and exercise sciences or cognate disciplines. We will also consider students with exceptional (1^st Class) undergraduate degrees

Desirable qualities:

• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Statistical and coding skills

Research Environment:

Our research quality places us in the UK top-5 research institutions in sport and exercise science. Bangor University is situated among the breathtaking landscape of North Wales.

Residency requirements: This studentship is primarily aimed at UK students. However, those who are interested, but are from outside the UK, should contact Dr Vicky Gottwald to discuss the conditions for the funding of international students.

General information: PhD students are expected to contribute to teaching in the school. We provide excellent training and many students achieve a nationally recognised professional teaching qualification. The initial appointment for the position will be for a period of one year, with an extension of 2 years after positive evaluation of capabilities. The appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis.

Further information: Informal enquiries about the studentship should be directed to Vicky Gottwald (v.m.gottwald@bangor.ac.uk).

How to apply:

All application must be received through our online application system: https://apps.bangor.ac.uk/applicant/

Applications must contain the following documents:

• Covering letter: Include your motivation for applying for this studentship, aspirations beyond conducting a PhD, and any reasons that you feel you are particularly suited to undertaking this project.
• References: All applications require two academic references to be submitted in support. Candidates must approach referees themselves and include the references with their application.
• Curriculum Vitae: This should be no longer than two pages. Where appropriate, this should also include proof of English Language Competency (7.0 IELTS minimum).
• Research Proposal: ~2-3 pages including a clear description of the research questions, hypotheses, the approach to collecting and analysing data, and a proposed timeline for all elements of the research and writing up.

General enquiries: For general advice about how to apply and eligibility please visit the Bangor Doctoral School Website (https://www.bangor.ac.uk/doctoral-school/)

https://www.bangor.ac.uk/studentfinance/postgraduate/funding#psychology

Please click on the ‘Apply’ button above to complete your application.

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