Development, Learning, and Evolution (DVLE) PhD

Abertay University

This pathway is suitable for you if you have a relevant academic background and your primary motive is academic, focused on investigating a specific research question(s) in an area of psychology.

As a postgraduate research student, you will carry out an original, independent research and/or practice-based project, whilst being guided and supported by a team of expert academic supervisors. As you do this, you will benefit from an extensive programme of researcher development tailored to your background, needs and future ambitions. This will in turn help you develop the skills required to deliver research excellence. Your progress will be monitored throughout the year and via an annual review. The final assessment is by examination of your submitted thesis and a viva voce (oral examination). With the help of your supervisors, you will be encouraged to publish your research during and after your studies.

Researchers in this area are interested both ontogenetic and phylogenetic development

Projects include developmental research exploring biases in the processing of slef and other people (e.g., gender stereotypes), and how they impact learning and academic subject choices.

Other topics include the development of social problem-solving abilities in nonhuman primates and children, and the development of the lexicon, dialect, and speech, and how these factors shape literacy, reading, and social interaction.

We also run evolutionary psychology research, examining issues like the role of adaptive pressures in driving romantic attachments and social perception.