11 June: fyi -- phd funding, NL
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The Faculty of Arts at Tilburg University (The Netherlands) announces a
full-time position for a
PhD student (vacancy number 810.03.05)
This position is connected to the research programme of the new section
'Communication and Cognition', especially to the following subprojects
cc1, cc4, cc5, cc7, cc8. (see
www.tilburguniversity.nl/faculties/flw/cc/research/)=20
Starting date: September 1, 2003
Project description=
the c&c research programme The 'Communication and Cognition' research
programme focuses on the analysis, the theoretical account, the
evaluation, and the design of multimodal information and communication
in different types of contexts. The programme covers the study of
speech and writing, in combination and in relation to other
communicative systems or subsystems, such as visuals, animation,
prosody, face, and gesture marking. Each communicative act of speaking
and writing necessarily combines linguistic coding with the coding of
other systems; speech combines at least with audititory prosody, and
often with 'visual prosody' as well (gestures, facial expressions).
Writing necessarily combines with graphical organisation of language
(paragraphs, bullet lists etc), and often with symbols and (animated)
visuals.
The programme as at creating the knowledge and expertise which is
necessary to master the increasing number of new modality combinations
via and with the computer, as they are provided by new technological
developments. The effective use of these tools implies answers to
questions as 'How do people use and process information presented in
different modalities? How to determine the optimal combination of
modalities related to particular communicative conditions, tasks, and
users? How to explain theoretically and reveal experimentally strengths
and weaknesses of each of the contributing modal systems, the
interaction between them, and their division of labor in conveying
messages'?
the PhD project
The PhD project focuses on users interacting with hyperdocuments and
aims at (i) investigating the cognitive ramifications of using digital
documents and (ii) coming up with sound design decisions. The selected
topic is navigation and hyperlink management. In terms of document
design and presentation, this topic typifies the two most crucial
characteristics of digital documents, i.e. interactivity and
multimodality. In terms of cognitive processing, links and navigation
significantly contribute to the construction of the mental
representations required to successfully execute hyperdocument tasks.
Within this research area, a number of interesting questions come up
which fit in with the research interests of the programme. One is the
relationship between the processing of perceptual ((typo)graphical,
visual, spatial) triggers and verbal (propositional, symbolic)
elements.
The relevance of this topic increases as the processing of
(hyper)documents requires more and more visual and perceptual literacy.
Moreover, a number of sound cognitive theories present themselves as
plausible candidates for the explanation of modality combinations in
hyperenvironments (e.g. cognitive load theory, dual coding, competitive
working memory theories, the indexical hypothesis), other relevant
theories are waiting to be applied to hyperdocuments (mental model
theories, spatial cognition, gestalt theory). The guiding idea behind
this type of project is that effectiveness of perceptual design is
proportionate to the way in which perceptual design can meaningfully be
linked to conceptual aspects of task and information.Given the broad
perspective on this topic, as a first step, candidates will be asked to
propose and present their initial view on it.
Requirements:
Master's degree in linguistics, discourse studies, (cognitive)
psychology, communication science, language and informatics.
Strong preference for a linguist, who is experienced and has strong
affinity with experimental research, or a psychologist who is
experienced with and has strong affinity with linguistic research
Knowledge of statistical techniques and evaluation research.
Technical experience in the field of digital media is recommended
A clear interest in and proven qualifications for doing research. This
should be evident from a high quality Master?s thesis as well as from
the subjects chosen during the Bachelor/Master or doctoral curriculum
Able to finish the research project within a period of four years (or
five years in the case of a part-time position).
Salary:
The selected candidate will get a four year contract (full-time) as a
PhD student. The salary will be EUR 1611 at the start of the project =
and
EUR 2.185 at the end.
Applications:
Candidates apply by sending the following documents by June 30 2003:
a letter of application;
a max. two page PhD project proposal, related to the indicated research
interests
a curriculum vitae. This should at least contain copies of the diploma,
an informative list of courses, relevant professional experience in the
area of education and research and a list of publications, if any. In
case a candidate has not (yet) formally acquired his or her Master's
degree, a list should be provided of results so far and information
about the Master's thesis
As a rule, around 80 percent of a PhD's time is reserved for research
and training, the rest of the time is reserved for courses and =
teaching.
The candidate's willingness and capacity to teach courses, both in the
area of his or her research as well as in a broader area, play a role =
in
the selection procedure. At the time of appointment, a training and
supervision plan will be drawn up.
Information
More detailed information about the position can be obtained from Prof.
Dr. A.Maes (maes@uvt.nl, *(31) (0)13 466 2058), head of the section
Communication & Cognition or from Dr. N. Ummelen (ummelen@uvt.nl, *(31)
(0)13 466 2918), member of the section.
For information about the university, the faculty and the section
Communication and Cognition, see www.uvt.nl/letteren/maes
Applications should be sent by June 30 2003 to Tilburg University,
Faculty of Arts Drs. O. Zweekhorst, Faculty Director Room U 40 P.O. Box
90153 5000 LE Tilburg The Netherlands Or by email: solliciterenFDL@uvt
Fons Maes
www.uvt.nl/letteren/maes
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