PhD Student Persuasive Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology

At the core of the project is the belief that technology alone cannot bring about a sustainable society. Individual agents need to change their behavior as well. This is where persuasive technology comes into the picture. It aims at persuading human agents to behave in socially-valued ways, by giving information, providing feedback, and taking over actions.

The success of a persuasive technology that serves the public interest depends on the integration of sound technology, effective persuasive principles and careful attention to ethical considerations. Overall, this research program investigates the psychological mechanisms and the ethical dilemmas of persuasive technology. Specifically, it will consist of an in-depth empirical study of a concrete case where persuasive technology is under development: the energy management and safety of vehicles (cars, trucks). Vehicle simulators will be used to observe human agents using various forms of persuasive technology, where the most important variable will be the amount of control transferred from the user to the technological system.

The present PhD-project will focus on psychological mechanisms related to shared values, competence, trust, experience and confidence that influence allocation of control. This project will run in a strongly interdisciplinary setting: The PhD-student will closely collaborate with another PhD-student (philosophical perspective) and a Postdoc who develops the vehicle control simulation.

Requirements

University Graduate

For this position we are interested in candidates with a solid background in social psychology or human-technology interaction. In addition we require an interest in the development of automotive systems (hybrid drive trains for trucks) and the willingness to engage in the co-development of such systems. Candidates with a master in Human-Technology Interaction, Social Psychology or related programs are invited to apply. The PhD candidate is expected to deliver a PhD thesis and a number of scientific publications within a period of 4 years.
Organization
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences
NWO-project: Persuasive Technology, Allocation of Control, and Social Values within the group Human-Technology Interaction (HTI).

The department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) engages in education and research in the area of operational business processes and transitions in societies in relation to technical changes. In the IE&IS department, scholars and students work together on critical problems at the interface of engineering, management, innovation, and human behavior. The department has two schools: the School of Industrial Engineering and the School of Innovation Sciences. The School of
Innovation Sciences is one of the leading IS schools in Europe, with a strong presence in the international research and education community. Within the School of Innovation Sciences three degree programs are taught: BSc in Innovation Sciences (Technische Innovatiewetenschappen), MSc in Human Technology Interaction, and MSc in Innovation Sciences. Moreover, the school participates in several PhD programs set up by national research schools. The School of Innovation Sciences also contributes to the 3TU Centre of Excellence in Ethics & Technology.

Organizationally, the School of Innovation Sciences consists of three sections: Philosophy & Ethics, Human-Technology Interaction and Technology, Innovation & Society.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 jaar
Maximum hours per week: 40

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

dr. Jaap Ham

prof.dr. Cees Midden
E-mail address: c.j.h.middenattue.nl

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

* About the organization

Application
You can apply for this job before 31 August 2009 by sending your application to:

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
paviljoen C 0.17
HR-Services
Postbus 513
5600 MB Eindhoven
Nederland
E-mail address: pz.ieisattue.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number V39.482.