Project title: The nature and function of human nonverbal vocalisations: acoustical, psychological and evolutionary perspectives.
Supervisor: Dr David Reby (School of Psychology, University of Sussex)
Most research on human vocal communication has focused on understanding how speech is produced and perceived. In contrast, human nonverbal vocal communication has received relatively little attention. Indeed, despite the fact that humans, like other mammals, produce spontaneous vocalizations (grunts, cries, laughter, moans etc...) in a wide range of contexts, the communicative function of these vocalizations remains poorly understood. In particular, how information is encoded in the acoustic structure of these vocalisations has not been systematically investigated using modern signal processing techniques.
The project will exploit our ability to use source-filter analysis to quantify the acoustic variation of human vocalisations and to correlate this variation with key underlying factors (e.g. sex, size, age, attractiveness, pain, emotional valence and arousal, etc.). We will subsequently use resynthesis techniques to modify the signals for psycho-acoustic experiments testing the communicative function of these vocalisations. Because human nonverbal vocalisations are directly homologous to animal calls, understanding their functional significance and may produce crucial insights into the origins and evolution of speech precursors such as symbolism, vocal learning and vocal control.
The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr David Reby within the School of Psychology, University of Sussex, where they will be based in the Mammal Vocal Communication & Cognition Research Grouphttp://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/cmvcr/Home.html. The lab provides a rich and vibrant research environment and is equipped with advanced tools and facilities for exploring acoustic communication in animals and humans.
Applications should be made by Friday 17th January 2014. The award of the studentship will be based on a competitive process. If awarded, it would be a full-time studentship (funded for a duration of three years) covering tuition fee, and a maintenance allowance. The maintenance allowance is currently £13,726 per annum. There is an expectation to contribute to teaching on a paid basis.
Type of award
PhD Studenship available for September 2014
Award amount
The maintenance allowance is currently £13,726 per annum. This award covers fees at the Home/EU rate.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for potential candidates:
- This award will only pay fees at the Home/EU rate. Candidates may not be eligible for the full award if they do not meet UK residency requirements. For full details of eligibility see the ESRC Postgraduate Funding Guide, Annex 1: Residential guidelines
- Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master's degree in Psychology or a related discipline.
Application procedure
Guidance for applicants:
- Please send your initial enquires by email for the attention of 'Postgraduate Coordinator' to: psychology@sussex.ac.uk
- If you wish to discuss the details of this PhD project further, please contact Dr David Reby: D.Reby@sussex.ac.uk
- Application procedures can be found at:http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/2014entry
- The proposed source of funding should be specified as 'ESRC or GTA'
Candidates should provide:
- A research statement that briefly outlines our current state of knowledge, hypotheses that could be addressed, and an outline of potential methods. Your answer should not exceed 2 pages including references, be set at minimum 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
- A teaching-related statement that addresses the normal expectation that you contribute to teaching of statistics and research methods (up to 300 words).
- A current transcript with full details of performance on all completed courses.
Timetable
Applications should be made by Friday 17th January 2014.
Further information
Contact details
Please send your initial enquires by email for the attention of 'Postgraduate Coordinator' to: psychology@sussex.ac.uk
If you wish to discuss the details of this PhD project further, please contact Dr David Reby: D.Reby@sussex.ac.uk