PhD Study : Group Learning in Social Networks

Apply and key information  

Summary

The study of interacting networks of agents is an important area of research in computer science, applied mathematics, biology and the social sciences. The focus of this project is on group learning where agents update their beliefs based on evidence available to them and the opinions of others within their social network. Such models can incorporate the influence of opinion leaders, competing groups and sources of misinformation.

The project will use agent-based models to investigate how group learning takes place in various social contexts.

The research will seek to identify optimal strategies for group learning when

  1. different approaches are used for evidential updating of beliefs,
  2. various social network structures are found within the group, and
  3. alternative sources of information / misinformation are present.

This will be achieved by carrying out extensive computer simulations to understand the dynamics of the mathematical models under investigation. In light of recent debates about the influence of conflicting sources of information / misinformation and the role of social media in the context of democratic elections and COVID-19, as well as the relevance of group learning to economics, applications in one or more of these areas will also be considered.

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.

  • For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • 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

Recommended reading

References

S. Chen, D.H. Glass, M. McCartney (2016) Characteristics of successful opinion leaders in a bounded confidence model, Physica A 449, 426–436.

S. Chen, D.H. Glass, M. McCartney (2020) How opinion leaders affect others on seeking truth in a bounded confidence model, Symmetry 12(8), 1362. I.

Douven (2019) Optimizing group learning: An evolutionary computing approach, Artificial Intelligence, 275, 235–251. I.

Douven, R. Hegselmann (2021) Mis- and disinformation in a bounded confidence model, Artificial Intelligence, 291, 103415. C.A.

Glass, D.H. Glass (2020) Social influence of competing groups and leaders in opinion dynamics, Computational Economics http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10614-020-10049-7.

C.A. Glass, D.H. Glass (2021) Opinion Dynamics of Social Learning with a Conflicting Source, Physica A, 563(14), 125480.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 5 February 2021
12:00AM

Interview Date
Week Beginning 22nd March 2021

Preferred student start date
Mid-September 2021

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr David Glass

Other supervisors