LINGUIST List 14.1564

Tue Jun 3 2003

Support: Cognitive Sci: PhD student, Tilburg University

Editor for this issue: Sarah Murray <sarahlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. maes, Cognitive Science: PhD student, Tilburg University, Netherlands

University or Organization: Tilburg University
Department: Faculty of Arts - Communication and Cognition
Rank of Job: PhD student
Specialty Areas: Cognitive Science, Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics,
Multimodal digital communication


Description:

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
http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/faculties/flw/cc/research/)

Starting date: September 1, 2003

Project description: 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

For information about the university, the faculty and the section
Communication and Cognition, see www.uvt.nl/letteren/maes

Applications by email: solliciterenFDLuvt.nl



Address for Applications:

	Attn: Drs. Olga Zweekhorst
	POBox 90153
	Tilburg, 5000 LE
	Netherlands 
 
	Applications are due by 30-Jun-2003


Contact Information:
	Prof. Dr Alfons Maes
	Email: maesuvt.nl
	Tel: **31 13 466 2058
	Fax: ** 31 13 466 3110
	Website: 
	http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/faculties/flw/cc/vacancy.html

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