[Commpsych] FW: VU PhD Scholarship - Young And Well Cooperative Research Centre

Sun Sep 8 20:17:27 WST 2013

Victoria University (VU) & Young And Well Cooperative Research Centre (Young and Well CRC) Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Application Form & Guidelines

Background

This application form relates to a VU & Young And Well CRC scholarship to undertake a specific PhD research project. This project will examine the psychosocial impacts on participants in a growing network of technology clubs for young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Outcomes of this doctoral research study will include:

·       New knowledge about the innovative deployment of technology (including multi-user computer games)in social contexts with young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and;

·       Innovative methodologies that accurately and ethically represent young people’s voices, including methodologies that involve the use of digital technologies.

The Lab (www.thelab.org.au) is a growing network of ‘technology clubs’ for young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, as well as their parents and carers. Established in early 2011, The Lab currently caters for 150 families in eight locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong and Darwin, with other locations in the planning stages. The Lab is guided by an incorporated not-for-profit company, The Lab Network Ltd, with a board of directors comprised of Lab and parents representatives.

All Labs offer personal mentoring in technology by programming and design professionals, as well as the chance to meet others and develop social skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The focus of the PhD project will be:

·       The development of innovative research methodologies, informed or mediated by technology, that respond to the needs of young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and that accurately reflect participants’ ‘voices’;

·       The use of these methodologies to (a) better understand how the Lab works, especially in its interaction of the technological and the social; and (b) develop cross-Lab evaluations that accurately capture impact on participants and families; and

·       The development of protocols and guidelines for new Labs that are designed to facilitate maximum positive impact, based on evaluation data.

This project is concerned with exploring and developing innovative research methodologies that support and respect the safety and self-worth of young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and that are also reliable and valid. This research has the potential to influence current practice in how these young people are involved in research.

The Principal  Supervisor for this scholarship will be Dr Tim Corcoran, Senior Research Fellow from The Victoria Institute: www.vu.edu.au/contact-us/tim-corcoran<http://www.vu.edu.au/contact-us/tim-corcoran> . The Associate Supervisor will be Dr. Stefan Schutt, a Research Program Leader in VU’s Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing and co-founder of The Lab: http://www.vu.edu.au/contact-us/stefan-schutt.

All applications will be assessed against Victoria University’s minimum admission criteria for entry to the PhD program: http://www.vu.edu.au/courses/browse-for-courses/by-course-level/postgraduate-studies/doctor-of-philosophy-phd

In addition, applicants will be assessed against the following selection criteria:

·       Demonstrated experience in computer technology platforms, especially collaborative game environments such as Minecraft and social networking platforms;

·       Strong interest in the use of technology for research;

·       An understanding of the needs and interests of young people with High Functioning Autism;

·       Demonstrated experience in social impact programs;

·       Strong research skills; and

·       An ability to work independently while under direction.

The successful applicant will receive a living allowance equivalent to the current APA rate ($24,653 per annum in 2013) for three years. CLOSING DATE:FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2013

Tim Corcoran PhD
Senior Research Fellow/
Senior Lecturer (Critical Psychology)
The Victoria Institute
Victoria University
Phone +61 3 9919 4057
Email tim.corcoran at vu.edu.au
http://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/our-people/tim-corcoran
Victoria University CRICOS Provider No. 00124K (Melbourne)
Victoria University CRICOS Provider No. 02475D (Sydney)
[cid:image001.png at 01CE7CBA.D65CA480]<https://www.vu.edu.au/victoria-institute-for-education-diversity-and-lifelong-learning>

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