Research News
Funded PhD: Digital Interventions Against cancer Misinformation (DIAM) Project
SFI Lero and Breakthrough Cancer Research
Digital tools such as discussion boards, apps and websites are often noted as leading sources of cancer misinformation. This misinformation might pertain to prevention of cancer, screening outcomes and treatment options. In the current digital era, many patients unsurprisingly seek out information via the internet. It is unrealistic to expect patients to avoid online information pertaining to a diagnosis they have received, which makes it all the more important to equip patients with the tools to evaluate information they are engaging with.
The goal of this PhD project is to develop and test digital interventions against cancer misinformation, based on psychological research into the factors underlying misinformation acceptance. Through a series of experimental studies, the PhD research will examine the potential of digital interventions that target cancer patients, as well as wider networks of people who may be susceptible to engaging with and spreading misinformation.
This PhD Project is funded through Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) centre for responsible software engineering, in partnership with Breakthrough Cancer Research. The PhD Student will be based in University College Cork, School of Applied Psychology, under the supervision of Dr. Gillian Murphy (UCC), Dr. Ciara Greene (UCD) and Dr. Sarah Foley (UCC). As a member of Lero, the student will avail of the supports and opportunities of this research group, obtaining inter-disciplinary skills and insights.
For more details, download the full job description document: DIAM PhD Studentship Job Description.
Closing Date for Applications: May 1st 2024
For further detail on Lero’s work, please see https://lero.ie/. To read more about Breakthrough Cancer Research, please see https://breakthroughcancerresearch.ie/
For more on this story contact:
Dr Sarah Foley, School of Applied Psychology
sarah.foley@ucc.ie