THIS PROJECT IS ASSOCIATED WITH A RING-FENCED PHD STUDENTSHIP FOR DR CAMPBELL
Prejudice and prejudice reduction has been a key focus of social psychological research for many years. However, recent advances in the field of implicit cognition have changed the way we conceptualise and measure prejudice and will also have a dramatic impact on the means by which we attempt to change and reduce prejudiced attitudes. There is a considerable body of research that has illustrated that while many people’s explicit or conscious attitudes towards social groups are unbiased, they frequently show implicit, unconscious bias in favour of their ingroups or towards the socially dominant groups in society (Devine, 1989; Rudman, Greenwald, Mellott & Schwarts, 1999; Dasgupta, McGhee, Dasgupta, 2004). More importantly, this implicit bias has a subtle but powerful impact on behaviour with many studies demonstrating that implicit attitudes may lead people to act in prejudiced behaviours without their conscious awareness that that are doing so (Goldin & Rouse, 2000). These implicit biases are thought to be automatically activated through situational cues and motivational processes (Banaji & Dasgupta, 1998; Greenwald & Banaji, 1999). Once activated, they are very difficult to prevent or obstruct and are very likely to impact on our subsequent beliefs and behaviours (Dasgupta, 2013). While it was once believed that implicit attitudes were relatively static, stable and resistant to change (Bargh, 1999; Devine, 1989), emerging research suggests that implicit attitudes are malleable and change in a context specific way (Dasgupta, 2013). This is supported by research suggesting that implicit prejudice held towards members of disadvantaged groups can be reduced simply by altering the local environment that individuals occupy (Dasgupta & Greenwald, 2001; Dasgupta & Rivera, 2008). This has serious implications for the development of prejudice reduction interventions which work on the assumption that individuals must be aware of their bias (Banaji, 2001) and consciously work to change their perceptions of disadvantaged social groups (Devine, Monteith, Zuwerink & Elliot, 1991).
The proposed research will seek to develop our knowledge of use of implicit measures in the study of prejudice, to re-evaluate the utility of existing interventions and to further explore how implicit attitudes can instrumental in the reduction of prejudice.
Methods that will be used: This research will employ a range of implicit and explicit measures and will comprise of predominantly laboratory based studies.
Objectives of the research: To explore how our knowledge of implicit cognition can be harnessed to reduce prejudice.
Skills required of the applicant: Successful applicants will be trained in the use of key implicit measures. This position would suit candidates with an interest in experimental social psychology.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
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.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (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.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM
Interview Date
week commencing 12th March 2018
Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018
Telephone
Contact by phone
Email
Contact by email