PhD Study : The malleability of prejudice

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Summary

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.

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.

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
  • Masters at 70%
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage

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 £19,000 (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.

  • 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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
week commencing 12th March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Dr Claire Campbell

Other supervisors