Recently completed doctoral projects have been in the areas of pattern perception & cognition, social & biological aspects of student stress, and inattentional blindness with phobic stimuli.
The Centre for Research in Applied Cognition, Knowledge, Learning and Emotion (CRACKLE) provides a stimulating environment for research students through the range of research and consultancy in Applied Cognitive Science. Current projects focus on thinking & decision-making in natural or simulated natural contexts (e.g., medical, military, fireground, driving, sports, air traffic control, education situations), with a view to understanding the brain processes and systems involved.
Current projects include staff and graduate studies of:
- situation awareness in uncertain or risky situations
- fireground decision-making
- cognitive and emotional processing in social values
- medical (obstetric team) situation-awareness and decision-making
- emotional markers in decision-making
- decision-making in cricket
- brain/cognitive processes underlying use of metaphor in the arts
- reaction of the infant brain to the visual world
- psychology of education and classroom learning
- developmental disorders (ADHD, etc)
CRACKLE is based in the School of Natural & Social Sciences, with links to the School of Sport and Exercise at the University of Gloucestershire, the Psychology Department at the University of the West of England, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Bristol Royal Infirmary and Gloucestershire NHS. In addition to success in attracting external funding, the research team publish papers and books, and regularly present at national and international conferences. Research is conducted in both the high-quality EEG laboratory at the Francis Close Hall campus as well as in natural contexts.
For all higher degrees by research (i.e., MRes, MA or MSc by research, MPhil and PhD) you’ll be required to investigate an approved topic that will result in an independent contribution to knowledge, and you’ll also demonstrate by thesis an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen topic. The PhD also requires an original contribution to knowledge.
Training in research methods
All research students who have not already completed a relevant
masters degree, or other appropriate postgraduate research methods training, are required to complete the postgraduate certificate in research methods.
Entry requirements
- an honours degree of upper second class or above from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification, is normally required in a subject area relevant to your chosen research topic
- in exceptional circumstances, we will consider applications from non-graduates with experience of undertaking research or graduates who wish to work in a new subject area
- registration is usually for MPhil or MRes or MA/MSc by Research with the possibility of transfer to PhD
- candidates with a master’s degree in a relevant subject that contains appropriate research methods training may register for PhD directly.
Staff offering supervision
For an up to date list please
click here