Eleanor Hyde
I’m a dedicated fourth-year part-time PhD Student and GTA at the University of Sheffield’s School of Psychology, where I pursue my passion for cognitive psychology. My thesis aims to understand the cognitive correlates of first-person shooter (FPS) video gaming, and I also have a strong interest in cognitive plasticity and ageing.
Key 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
Education
2021 - Present
PhD Psychology
The University of Sheffield
Supervised by Dr Claudia von Bastian, Dr Dan Carroll and Prof Robert Schmidt.
Thesis: The cognitive correlates of First Person Shooter games.
Study 1: Examined processing speed and decision-making in Counter-Strike players. Expert players showed faster processing and greater efficiency in tasks requiring cognitive flexibility, suggesting FPS games as a potential avenue for cognitive plasticity in decision-making.
Study 2: Investigates Heb-repetition learning in Counter-Strike players and learning efficiency. Computational modelling is currently underway.
Study 3: In development.
2019 - 2021
MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging
The University of Sheffield
Supervised by Dr Claudia von Bastian.
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.
2016-2019
BSc Psychology
The University of Hull
Supervised by Dr Henning Holle.
​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.
Research
With two years of experience as a Research Associate, I have contributed significantly to a large-scale ESRC-funded cognitive training study, where I have consistently delivered high-quality work through meticulous organisation and a strong collaborative approach. Additionally, I have developed educational resources for research software and conducted data collection with FPS gamers, leveraging my collaborative skills to ensure successful project outcomes.
Research
July 2022 - October 2024
Research Associate
The University of Sheffield
International ESRC-funded project: “Cognitive Training Effects Across the Adult Lifespan: A Diffusion Modelling Approach.” Managed and implemented the study design, coordinated data collection, and managed the hiring, training, and supervision of Research Assistants. Conducted data analysis using advanced statistical methods and computational models, utilising GitHub for version control, and contributed to to disseminating findings at conferences and in publications.
May - 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 data in-person and online for various research projects focused on the unique population of FPS video game players, including professional Counter-Strike players. These studies involved computer-based cognitive tasks and questionnaires to assess and quantify Counter-Strike expertise. I coordinated recruitment efforts by building connections with gaming communities and professional teams to promote participation in the research.
Teaching & Supervision
With two years of teaching experience at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, I have delivered materials through lectures, tutorials, and workshops, as well as supervised research projects. My teaching ethos focuses on fostering students' confidence and understanding through clear communication and constructive feedback. I provide insightful evaluations of assignments, and my mentorship encourages both academic growth and the development of career aspirations.
Teaching
September 2024 - May 2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Sheffield
Facilitated tutorial teaching for the level 1 and level 2 modules Psychological Research Methodology (PSY1005/PSY2005), which provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills foundational to psychology. Additionally, I assessed coursework and collaborated with colleagues in regular meetings to refine tutorial delivery and address student feedback.
January - May 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Sheffield
Facilitated workshop teaching for the level 3 module Coding for Psychologists (PSY31008), which focuses on the principles and applications of R in psychological research. Additionally, I assessed weekly assignments and collaborated with colleagues in regular meetings to refine workshop delivery and address student feedback.
February - March 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Sheffield
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.
Supervision
2021 - 2023
MSc Project Supervisor
The University of Sheffield
Supervised and assessed Cognitive Neuroscience MSc research projects focused on the cognitive correlates of First-Person Shooter (FPS) games. Provided mentorship throughout research projects, and beyond regarding careers.
Roles
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Research Culture Steering Board Member (2023 - Present)
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Psychology PGR Academic Representative (2021 - 2023)
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Psychology PGR Society Inclusion Officer (2021 - 2022 & 2024 - 2025)
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ESCOP 2025 Conference PGR Committee member (2024 - 2025)
Memberships
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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)