Understanding the Relationship Between Patterning and Mathematics
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
Patterning refers to the ability to notice regularities in sequences (e.g. ABABAB, ABAABAAB, where the As and Bs might represent colours or shapes). Recently, patterning has attracted substantial interest because performance on patterning tasks shows robust and significant correlations with mathematics achievement.
However, the patterning literature is fragmented and confused, partly because it is unclear whether patterning is distinct from similar constructs such as analogical reasoning (the ability to infer and work with relations from incomplete information, e.g. “Doctor:Hospital, Teacher:?”) and nonverbal reasoning (e.g. filling in the missing piece of a 3 × 3 matrix of shapes). Understanding the cognitive processes involved in patterning is key for both theory and practice; for example, should patterning be included in the primary school curriculum? This PhD project will contribute to this goal by investigating the role of patterning and related constructs in mathematics.
The research will make use of existing tasks and methods established in the literature, as well as developing new methods. It will involve analytical approaches that allow us to identify the types of cognitive processes required for different tasks and to understand the relationships between those tasks. The successful applicant will join the vibrant community of the Centre for Mathematical Cognition one of the world’s leading research centres for the study of mathematics education and numerical thinking.
The Centre for Mathematical Cognition brings together academics who conduct research in three different areas: basic research on mathematical cognition, the design of research-based educational resources, and the evaluation of educational interventions. For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Joanne Eaves and Dr Iro Xenidou-Dervou. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
REF 2021
Key highlights
- Investigates how patterning relates to mathematics achievement
- Distinguishes patterning from analogical and nonverbal reasoning
- Uses established tasks alongside newly developed research methods
- Informs whether patterning belongs in the primary school curriculum
- Based in the Centre for Mathematical Cognition research community
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — 2:1 in psychology, education or related degree
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- University lecturer
- Postdoctoral researcher in mathematical cognition
- Educational researcher
- Cognitive psychologist
- Education policy adviser
- Educational resource designer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £23,100
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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