Supervisor:  Dr Ryan Scott (School of Psychology, University of Sussex)

This PhD will explore how self-control influences unconscious cognitive processes such as attentional biases and subliminal influences.  Understanding the nature of effects resulting from depleting self-control, and conversely preserving or strengthening it, has important implications for a range of clinical conditions.  There is good evidence, for example, that interventions for anxiety and depression achieve their beneficial effects in part by improving self-control (DeRubeis, Siegle & Hollon, 2008).  Our understanding of the mechanisms involved, however, is somewhat limited. 

Recent research has challenged the dominant model of self-control, Baumeister’s strength model (Baumeister, Vohs, & Tice, 2007), proposing instead that observed effects arise from attentional and motivational sources (Inzlicht & Schmeichel, 2012).  The proposed research looks to combine established methods for manipulating self-control with a variety of paradigms employed in studying unconscious processes.  It is hoped that this approach will provide insights into the influence of self-control by, among other things, permitting a direct test of the extent to which conscious motivational factors versus unconscious influences play a causal role in changing behaviour when self-control is depleted. 

While the precise direction of the project will be guided by the successful candidate’s interests it is anticipated that the work will utilise a range of technical methodologies including continuous flash suppression, transcranial direct-current stimulation, and brain imaging.

Applications should be made by Friday 17^thJanuary 2014.

The award of the studentship will be based on a competitive process. If awarded, it would be a full-time studentship (funded for a duration of three years) covering tuition fee, and a maintenance allowance. The maintenance allowance is currently £13,726 per annum. There is an expectation to contribute to teaching on a paid basis.

Eligibility requirements for potential candidates:

• This award will only pay fees at the Home/EU rate.   Candidates may not be eligible for the full award if they do not meet UK residency requirements. For full details of eligibility see Annex 1: Residential guidelines at http://www.esrc.ac.uk/_images/ESRC-Postgraduate-Funding-Guide-DTCs_tcm8-14766.pdf
• Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology or a related discipline.

Guidance for applicants:

• Please send your initial enquires by email for the attention of ‘Postgraduate Coordinator’ to: psychology@sussex.ac.uk
• If you wish to discuss the details of this PhD project further, please contact Dr Ryan Scott: R.B.Scott@sussex.ac.uk
• Application procedures can be found at: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/2014entry
• The proposed source of funding should be specified as ‘ESRC or GTA’

Candidates should provide:

• A research statement that briefly outlines our current state of knowledge, hypotheses that could be addressed, and an outline of potential methods. Your answer should not exceed 2 pages including references, be set at minimum 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
• A teaching-related statement that addresses the normal expectation that you contribute to teaching of statistics and research methods (up to 300 words).
• A current transcript with full details of performance on all completed courses.

To apply for this post, please click on the Apply button below.