PhD Study : Assessing the impact of brain stimulation on cognitive skills: An individual differences approach

Summary

There is a growing body of research that suggests that brain stimulation can improve some cognitive functions (e.g. Cappelleti et al., 2013). Some evidence suggests that cognitive training in combination with brain stimulation may be particularly effective (Looi, Duta, Brem, Huber, Nuerk & Kadosh, 2016). However, there are very few replication studies within this field.

This project will attempt to replicate and extend a study by Looi et al. (2016) that established that an intervention that required participants to physically move along a number line to make fraction estimates in combination with Transcranial Direct Current stimulation (tDCS) improved performance in number line estimation and working memory.

Individual participant detail will be collected including demographic and specific information regarding day to day activities around testing days (including exercise, caffeine, sleep etc). This material will be gathered as these factors have been suggested to influence an individual’s response to non-invasive brain stimulation and will help us account for variability between individuals (Li, Uehara & Hanakawa, 20015; Wiethoff, Hamada & Rothwell, 2014).

Objectives of the Research:

(1)To conduct a pre-registered replication the study by Looi et al. (2016).

(2)To extend the study by Looi et al. (2016) by assessing if physical movement is an essential component of the intervention. This will involve comparing performance from a physical movement intervention group to a table-top intervention group.

(3)To assess the impact of individual differences on responsiveness to tDCS

Methods to be used:

This project will utilise the Cognitive Neuroscience lab on Coleraine Campus, Ulster University. Experimental neuroscience and psychology techniques will be used in this study, including Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation (TMS), Transcranial Direct Current stimulation (tDCS), Eye-tracking. Full training will be provided on all experimental techniques.

Skills required of applicant:

Candidates should have at least an upper second class first degree in an area with relevance to the research area for the studentship.  This includes, but is not exclusive to: Psychology, Neuroscience, Health Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy.

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.

Funding and eligibility