PhD position Inferring the dimensional of cognitive processing (1,0 fte), University of Groningen Netherlands
One of the major goals of psychological research is to elaborate latent processes that are necessary to explain specific psychological phenomena. Memory researchers, for instance, seek to determine what mental processes occur when remembering, or failing to remember, memoranda.
A fundamental question when analyzing behavioral data is how many processes are needed to explain the observed data. Is forgetting caused by interference alone, or do both interference and time decay play a role (Oberauer & Lewandowsky, 2008)?
Is there a separate perceptual process for face recognition, or do faces rely on the same perceptual process as all other stimuli (Loftus, Oberg, & Dillon, 2004)? These questions can be addressed through exploring the dimensionality of relevant behavioral data.
State-trace analysis (Bamber, 1979) is a technique used by researchers to make inferences about the dimensionality of data. The basic idea behind state-trace analysis is that data in two tasks, in which different variables have been manipulated, are plotted against one another. If a single, latent variable can explain performance in both tasks, then there must be a monotone curve that runs through all points. Although the logic of the state-trace method is fairly straightforward, formal inferential methods for state-trace plots- whether more than one dimension is needed to explain the data – have been slow to develop.
The goal of this project is develop Bayesian inferential methods for state-trace plots, especially ones which allow inferences across participants. At present, only inferences for single participants are possible, due to uncertainty about how to combine information across participants. Solving this problem in state-trace analysis would drastically increase the applicability of the method by enabling the accumulation of evidence across participants, and by enabling individual differences in processing to be studied.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, or statistics
- fluency in reading, speaking, and writing English
- solid background in research design and statistics methods with experience with Bayesian methods strongly preferred.
Conditions of employment
The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month in the first year to € 2,612 gross per month in the final year. The position will be on a temporary basis/four years. After the first year a formal assessment of performance will take place. If the outcome is positive, the position will be extended for the remaining three years. The successful candidate will be encouraged to learn Dutch for better social integration. The Faculty will pay for the necessary courses at the university’s language center.
Travel costs will be refunded.
Letters of application must include a statement of research interests and an academic curriculum vitae. Please provide the names of two academic references who may be contacted regarding your suitability for the position.
Organisation
Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Founded in 1614. One of the best universities in Europe and the world. A wide variety of disciplines. Internationally oriented. Rooted in the North of The Netherlands. Socially active. Our researchers and lecturers are inspired academics. Ambitious students. We respect the differences in talent, ambitions and performance of the 27,000 students and members of staff.
Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is a centre of knowledge focussing on individuals and society. The faculty studies issues relating to human behaviour, the relationships between people, and society as a whole. This includes the study of how people function under normal circumstances, but also of the problems encountered by individuals or groups, and how these can be resolved or prevented.
Additional information
Prof. Rob Meijer
+31 50 3636366
r.r.meijer(at)rug.nl
Dr. Richard Morey
+31 50 3637021
r.d.morey(at)rug.nl
To apply for this position, visit AcademicTransfer for the original posting, and many other scientific vacancies
One of the major goals of psychological research is to elaborate latent processes that are necessary to explain specific psychological phenomena. Memory researchers, for instance, seek to determine what mental processes occur when remembering, or failing to remember, memoranda.
A fundamental question when analyzing behavioral data is how many processes are needed to explain the observed data. Is forgetting caused by interference alone, or do both interference and time decay play a role (Oberauer & Lewandowsky, 2008)?
Is there a separate perceptual process for face recognition, or do faces rely on the same perceptual process as all other stimuli (Loftus, Oberg, & Dillon, 2004)? These questions can be addressed through exploring the dimensionality of relevant behavioral data.
State-trace analysis (Bamber, 1979) is a technique used by researchers to make inferences about the dimensionality of data. The basic idea behind state-trace analysis is that data in two tasks, in which different variables have been manipulated, are plotted against one another. If a single, latent variable can explain performance in both tasks, then there must be a monotone curve that runs through all points. Although the logic of the state-trace method is fairly straightforward, formal inferential methods for state-trace plots- whether more than one dimension is needed to explain the data – have been slow to develop.
The goal of this project is develop Bayesian inferential methods for state-trace plots, especially ones which allow inferences across participants. At present, only inferences for single participants are possible, due to uncertainty about how to combine information across participants. Solving this problem in state-trace analysis would drastically increase the applicability of the method by enabling the accumulation of evidence across participants, and by enabling individual differences in processing to be studied.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, or statistics
- fluency in reading, speaking, and writing English
- solid background in research design and statistics methods with experience with Bayesian methods strongly preferred.
Conditions of employment
The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month in the first year to € 2,612 gross per month in the final year. The position will be on a temporary basis/four years. After the first year a formal assessment of performance will take place. If the outcome is positive, the position will be extended for the remaining three years. The successful candidate will be encouraged to learn Dutch for better social integration. The Faculty will pay for the necessary courses at the university’s language center.
Travel costs will be refunded.
Letters of application must include a statement of research interests and an academic curriculum vitae. Please provide the names of two academic references who may be contacted regarding your suitability for the position.
Organisation
Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Founded in 1614. One of the best universities in Europe and the world. A wide variety of disciplines. Internationally oriented. Rooted in the North of The Netherlands. Socially active. Our researchers and lecturers are inspired academics. Ambitious students. We respect the differences in talent, ambitions and performance of the 27,000 students and members of staff.
Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is a centre of knowledge focussing on individuals and society. The faculty studies issues relating to human behaviour, the relationships between people, and society as a whole. This includes the study of how people function under normal circumstances, but also of the problems encountered by individuals or groups, and how these can be resolved or prevented.
Additional information
Prof. Rob Meijer
+31 50 3636366
r.r.meijer(at)rug.nl
Dr. Richard Morey
+31 50 3637021
r.d.morey(at)rug.nl
To apply for this position, visit AcademicTransfer for the original posting, and many other scientific vacancies
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