Learning to be Human: Skill Acquisition and the Development of the Human Brain

Applications are invited from masters students for a PhD studentship attached to a Leverhulme Trust funded project based at the Department of Archaeology, University of Exeter, starting on 1st October 2010.

Supervisor: Professor Bruce Bradley

The Project

The Learning to be Human Project will examine the possible influence of technological development on the evolution of the human brain.  This will be investigated through three integrated approaches, all of which will use a study group of modern flintknappers.  The first method will involve fMRA brain scans of the group before, during and after practical learning (supervised by Dr. Dietrich Stout, Emory University, USA).  The second approach will be the tracking of learning and skill acquisition through observational/interview methods using currently applied techniques and the development of innovative methodologies (supervised by Prof. Bruce Bradley, Exeter).  The third research direction will be the application of the 'transmission chain' design, where an individual knapper makes copies of an original object, and an example from this new batch is then used as a model by the next individual in the copying chain, and so on (supervised by Prof. James Steele, UCL).  

The student will undertake the research relating to the second approach and form part of the research team within the ‘Material Culture and Social Agency’ research cluster in the Department of Archaeology.  This PhD will be designed to build upon current methodologies for the recording and analysis of learning based on experimental research; in this case knapping.  Recording and analytical methods will include such approaches as aptitude testing, evaluation of learning curves, identification of critical attributes of the evidence of learning in increasingly complex technologies, and evaluation of idiosyncratic learning styles. Specific tasks will include: development of systematic recording procedures for aptitude testing, knapping progression and learning achievements, within well-defined technological traditions and knapping venues. 

Candidates should have a good (minimum high 2.1) MA/MSc degree in Archaeology or Experimental Archaeology with a focus on material culture.  They should also be able to demonstrate flintknapping ability at a novice or higher skill level.  Experience with Old World flaked stone technologies and or learning/skill development is desirable.

The studentship will cover fees of £ £3,441 and a maintenance stipend of £13,489 per annum. An additional £2000 will be available for travel to conferences, etc. Please note this award is only open to Home/EU students.

How to Apply

In order to apply you will need to complete an online web form (opens in new window) where you must submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of 2 referees by the deadline of Friday 25th June. Your covering letter must clearly outline what you see as the key research issues relating to learning and skill development in knapping (no more than 2 pages).

If you have an enquiry about the nature of the project please contact Professor Bradley (b.a.bradley@ex.ac.uk). If you have an enquiry about the admissions process please contact Liz Hull (huss-pgadmissions@exeter.ac.uk).