PhD Candidate on Educational Approaches to Misinformation

PhD Position on Educational Approaches to Misinformation

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Professorship for Research on Learning and Instruction at ETH Zurich aims to discover effective, evidence-based strategies to enhance educational practice, focusing on principles applicable across various content areas and issues of societal relevance. The group is seeking a PhD student to contribute to ongoing research exploring educational approaches to misinformation.

Project Background

Misinformation poses significant challenges to personal decision-making and societal integrity. In today’s information landscape, the prevalence of misinformation is alarming. In recent years, our research group has examined the effectiveness of training programs aimed at helping individuals identify misleading data visualizations, thereby mitigating their detrimental effects on information comprehension. Additionally, we have explored how pedagogical interventions can help shield individuals from misinformation. Our current objective is to expand these efforts by investigating how pedagogical interventions designed to (1) strengthen content knowledge and (2) enhance misinformation detection skills interact. The ultimate goal is to bolster individuals' resilience to misinformation while maintaining their capacity to integrate new, trustworthy information into their existing knowledge frameworks.

Job Description

• The PhD position will focus on conducting controlled experiments to assess the impact of pedagogical interventions on resilience to misinformation.
• The dissertation will comprise a series of experiments employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• The PhD student will receive mentorship in conducting their research, publishing findings in academic journals, and presenting at conferences.
• The start date is flexible.

Profile

• A master’s degree in psychology (preferably with a focus on Cognitive or Educational Psychology), Learning Sciences, Cognitive Science, or a related field is required.
• A strong understanding of experimental design and quantitative statistical analysis is essential.
• Prior research experience is preferred.
• Motivation to conduct independent research on educational approaches to misinformation is crucial.
• A committed, curious individual excited to work within an interdisciplinary team is desired.
• Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required; fluency in written and spoken German is preferred.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a collaborative and stimulating academic environment that fosters innovation and growth.

We Offer

• Excellent research infrastructure and supportive work conditions.
• Support for developing your own research agenda and networking opportunities.
• Collaboration within a highly motivated and welcoming research team.
• A high level of autonomy in your research endeavors.
• An inspiring academic environment that encourages creativity and intellectual curiosity.

Valuing Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment for all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value that guides our efforts toward a climate-neutral future.

Apply Online

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities in science and technology. Renowned for its exceptional education, pioneering fundamental research, and effective transfer of new knowledge to society, ETH draws over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our institution promotes independent thinking and provides an inspiring environment for excellence. Nestled in the heart of Europe while establishing connections globally, we collaborate to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.