PhD Study : Keep it simple? Eye-tracking the learning of numbers in early childhood

Summary

Achievement gaps in numeracy start early, with children with low mathematical skills displaying a lower growth rate in mathematical achievement over time (Cahoon et al., 2021; Duncan et al., 2007). More research is necessary to understand how children develop mathematical knowledge and mathematical language in early years (3-5-year-olds) and how this may lead to the individual differences in mathematical development observed at school start.

Research has shown that shared storybook reading offers benefits for children’s cognition, communication skills, and mathematical talk (Hargrave & Sénéchal, 2000; Hendrix et al., 2019). However, eye-tracking studies show that children may perform poorly in literacy development or have difficulties in mathematical learning when there are extraneous illustrations detailed in storybooks, attentional competition, or attention difficulties (Eng et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Research has shown how important it is to enact constructive methods of communicative interactions during shared storybook reading (Bautista et al., 2018; Cárdenas et al., 2020). Cognitive Load Theory suggests that effective instruction facilitates learning by directing cognitive resources toward activities that are relevant to learning rather than toward unnecessary text or illustrations (Chandler & Swellwe, 1991). However, there is limited research on whether text, illustrations, and communicative interactions are engaging or distracting during storybook reading with number books for 3-5-year-olds and what conditions enhance mathematical learning outcomes.

This project will be experimental in design. The objectives are:
1.To use innovative research methods (i.e., eye-tracking technology) to investigate children’s eye-tracking gaze under different conditions (i.e., extraneous versus streamlined illustrations; communicative versus no communicative interactions) during storybook reading with number books.
2.To investigate whether children’s level of mathematical knowledge influences children’s engagement or disengagement of storybook reading with number books.
3.To explore individual differences of early mathematical performers to understand what could influence gaze shifts away from text, illustrations, or communicative interactions.

Essential Criteria - Degree in Psychology

Please note: Applications from those holding or expecting to hold a 2:1 Honours Degree in Psychology are strongly encouraged to apply.  Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Psychology, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Recognition of the importance of research integrity and Open Science practices

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living