I’m a dedicated PhD Student and Research Associate at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology, where I pursue my passion for understanding cognitive plasticity. My research focuses on the potential of interventions which may enhance cognition, such as cognitive training and engagement in leisure activities, particularly exploring the impact of FirstPerson Shooter (FPS) gameplay.
With two years of experience as a meticulously organised Research Associate, I have contributed significantly to a large-scale international cognitive training study. I am equally passionate about teaching and mentorship, having taught and supervised students at both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, fostering their academic growth and development.
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Education
2021 - Present
PhD Psychology
The University of Sheffield
Topic: The cognitive correlates of FPS games. Supervised by Dr Claudia von Bastian, Dr Dan Carroll and Prof. Robert Schmidt.
2019 - 2021
MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging
The University of Sheffield
Modules: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Fundamentals of Cognition, Neuroimaging 1&2, Neuroanatomy, Systems Neuroscience, Data Analysis and Visualisation.
Research Project: Action video gamers’ task switching and processing speed abilities: a mixed method investigation. Supervised by Dr Claudia von Bastian.
2016-2019
BSc Psychology
The University of Hull
Modules: Research Skills, Neuroscience, Cognition & Development, Social Psychology & Autism, Individual Differences, Psychological Wellbeing, Health Psychology, Global Challenge.
Research Project: An investigation into attentional bias towards academic threat words among high- and low-test anxious university students. Supervised by Dr Henning Holle.
Professional Skills
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Project Management & Organisation
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Data Collection, Management & Advanced Statistical Analysis
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Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
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Excellent Written & Verbal Interpersonal Skills​
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Cross-Disciplinary & International Collaboration
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Teaching, Leadership & Mentorship
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Technical proficiencies: R, GitHub, Tatool-Web
Academic Experience
July 2022 - October 2024
Research Associate
The University of Sheffield
International ESRC-funded project titled: “Cognitive Training Effects Across the Adult Lifespan: A Diffusion Modelling Approach.” In this role, I managed and implemented the study design, coordinated day-to-day data collection and managed the hiring, training and supervision of Research Assistants. Data collection involved the administration of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), as well as computer-based cognitive tasks and questionnaires to participants aged 18-85 years. Additionally, I analysed data using advanced statistical methods and computational models employing version control and collaboration tools (GitHub), as well as contributing to the dissemination of findings at conferences and through publications.
May 2022 - July 2022
Research Assistant
The University of Sheffield
Developed a series of video tutorials which covered key features and functionalities of Tatool-Web (www.tatool-web.com a free, open-source research software package for implementing and conducting online and offline behavioural experiments), from basic setup and installation to linking with other experimental software necessary for data collection.
2019 - Present
Postgraduate Research
The University of Sheffield
Collected both in-person and online data for multiple research projects focused on the unique population of FPS video game players, including highly expert Professional players of the popular FPS game Counter-Strike. These studies involved a range of computer-based cognitive tasks and questionnaires designed to assess and quantify Counter-Strike expertise level. The data collection process involved coordinating and building connections with gaming communities and professional teams to facilitate recruitment and promote research.
Additional Roles
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Research Culture Steering Board Member (2023 - Present)
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Psychology Postgraduate Research Students Academic Representative (2021-2023)
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Psychology Postgraduate Research Students Society Inclusion Officer (2021-2022)
Teaching & Supervision
January 2024 - May 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Sheffield
February 2024 - March 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Sheffield
2021 - 2024
Co-Supervisor
The University of Sheffield
Facilitated and supported teaching for a module focused on the principles and applications of R in psychological research, Coding for Psychologists (PSY31008). Delivered weekly lab sessions and provided support for students’ data assignments. Actively engaged with students via email correspondence, offering guidance where appropriate and clarifying module content and requirements. Evaluated weekly coursework and collaborated closely with teaching colleagues in regular meetings to refine the course content delivery and address any student needs or feedback.
Evaluated coursework on a module which covered foundational aspects of cognition and research methodologies, Cognitive Psychology (PSY1002). Providing detailed, insightful feedback to students to aid in their understanding of the principles of cognitive psychology.
Supervised and assessed two Cognitive Neuroscience MSc research projects focused on the cognitive correlates of FPS games. Provided mentorship throughout research projects, and beyond regarding careers.
Publications
Hyde, E. R. A., Carroll, D. J., Schmidt, R., & von Bastian, C. C (in Prep). Processing Speed and Multitasking performance in FPS players: a Drift-Diffusion Model approach.
von Bastian, C. C, Hyde, E. R. A. & Jiang, S. (2024). Tackling Cognitive Decline in Late Adulthood: Cognitive Interventions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 56(101780). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101780
Talks
Memory & Attention Laboratory, University of South Dakota 2024 "Processing speed and multitasking in FPS players: a drift-diffusion model approach”
Psychology Research Fair, University of Sheffield 2024 "Processing speed and multitasking performance in Counter-Strike players: a cross-sectional study"
Symposum on Cognitive Abilities & Plasticity (SoCAP), University of Sheffield 2024 "Processing speed and multitasking in counter-strike players: a drift-diffusion model approach”
Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia 2023 “Cognitive Correlates of first-person shooter gaming”
BTEC Esports, Sheffield United Community College 2023 "Researching Videogaming & Esports as a Window to Cognitive Plasticity"
OpenFest, University of Sheffield 2022 "Tatool-Web Support and Interface for Experimental Code"
Conferences
Psychonomics Society 2024 - New York, USA. "Hebb-repetition learning in players of the video game Counter-Strike"
4th International Conference on Working Memory (ICWM) 2024 - Leeds, UK. “A cross-sectional study of Hebb repetition-learning in first-person shooter game players”
Psychonomics Society 2023 - San Francisco, USA. “Methodological challenges of videogame research”
European Society for Cognitive Psychology (ESCOP) 2023 - Porto, Portugal. “Cognitive correlates of action video gaming: a cross-sectional study of counter-strike players”
Psychonomics Society 2022 - Boston, USA. “Cognitive correlates of action video gaming: a cross-sectional study of habitual and professional counter-strike players”
Learning and Plasticity (LaP) 2022 - Äkäslompolo, Finland. “The association between video game expertise and processing speed, task mixing and switching in counter-strike players”
Memberships
References
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Psychonomics Society
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European Society for Cognitive Psychology (ESCoP)
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Women in Cognitive Science (WiCS)
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Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab (CAP Lab)
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Dr Claudia von Bastian The University of Sheffield, UK
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Dr Rhiânan Ellis The University of Sheffield, UK
More available upon request