How Children Think About the Minds of Others

Summary

Understanding the minds of others is hugely important for us to be able to navigate our social worlds. For example, think about how your behavior is shaped by the knowledge of another person’s emotions (e.g., angry vs. happy) and personality (e.g., rude vs. friendly). Yet, people demonstrate systematic biases in how they think about other people’s minds, depending on whether they are in the same social group as themselves (e.g., race, religion, gender) or another group. Typically, people judge that those in different social groups have less capacity for complex mental experiences - the types of mental experiences that separate humans from other animals – than the people who share their social groups. This is a process called dehumanization. Dehumanization is linked to a host of negative outcomes including justification of prejudice, discrimination, and violence. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to counteract the effects of dehumanization.

This project will examine a strategy called mentalising (thinking about the mental experiences of a target person or group such as their likes, desires, and beliefs) as a means of reducing dehumanization and promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and trust. The project will take a developmental approach, examining these processes in childhood (when attitudes and behaviours are still forming, and may be more open to change). Key questions include (1) which types of mentalising intervention are most effective, (2) how long do their effects last, and (3) how can findings be used in applied settings such as schools. The PhD student has potential to significantly shape the direction of the project alongside the supervisory team. Experimental and quantitative methods will be used to examine the core research questions.

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

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
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

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.