Object categorisation and word learning in infants

About the Project

From the first months of life, infants can group objects into categories based on visual similarity. As they acquire language during the first year, language (e.g., giving a group of objects the same label), can alter how these categories are represented and influence how less visually similar objects are grouped into categories. This project will look broadly at how infants form categories, how sounds (e.g., the same label, different labels, non-linguistic sounds) influence category formation, and how this link between labels and categories develops during the first year, as infants are acquiring language. The specific studies will depend on the student’s interests.

This PhD will build on previous work to further our understanding of children’s representations of object categories and language learning and will consist of a number of related studies. Methods may include experimental behavioural studies, eye-tracking, and EEG.

As well as this specific project, applications are invited from students interested in pursuing research in any aspect of early language or conceptual development in typically developing infants and young children. Applicants may submit a specific research proposal in one of these areas, or get in touch to explore possible topics for developing a full proposal.

A minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, or a related discipline is essential. A Masters in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience or related disciplines is an advantage. Applicants who are considering completing a Masters in Research (MRes Psychology) prior to starting a PhD are also welcome. A PhD in this area of research requires a strong understanding of the theoretical background relevant to the field, as well as experience in data collection, study design, critical analysis, and statistics.

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Psychology Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 1 (low) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website

References

Althaus, N., & Westermann, G. (2016). Labels constructively shape object categories in 10-month-old infants. Journal of experimental child psychology, 151, 5-17.

Ferry, A. L., Hespos, S. J., & Waxman, S. R. (2010). Categorization in 3‐and 4‐month‐old infants: an advantage of words over tones. Child development, 81(2), 472-479.

Ferry, A. L., Hespos, S. J., & Waxman, S. R. (2013). Nonhuman primate vocalizations support categorization in very young human infants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(38), 15231-15235.

Linnert, S., Reid, V. M., & Westermann, G. (2016). ERP correlates of two separate top-down mechanisms in visual categorization. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 108, 83.