Understanding the Relationship Between Patterning and Mathematics

Patterning refers to the ability to notice regularities in sequences (e.g. ABABAB, ABAABAAB, where the As and Bs might represent colours or shapes). Recently, patterning has attracted substantial interest because performance on patterning tasks shows robust and significant correlations with mathematics achievement. However, the patterning literature is fragmented and confused, partly because it is unclear whether patterning is distinct from similar constructs such as analogical reasoning (the ability to infer and work with relations from incomplete information, e.g. “Doctor:Hospital, Teacher:?”) and nonverbal reasoning (e.g. filling in the missing piece of a 3 × 3 matrix of shapes). Understanding the cognitive processes involved in patterning is key for both theory and practice; for example, should patterning be included in the primary school curriculum? This PhD project will contribute to this goal by investigating the role of patterning and related constructs in mathematics. The research will make use of existing tasks and methods established in the literature, as well as developing new methods. It will involve analytical approaches that allow us to identify the types of cognitive processes required for different tasks and to understand the relationships between those tasks. The successful applicant will join the vibrant community of the Centre for Mathematical Cognition one of the world’s leading research centres for the study of mathematics education and numerical thinking. The Centre for Mathematical Cognition brings together academics who conduct research in three different areas: basic research on mathematical cognition, the design of research-based educational resources, and the evaluation of educational interventions. For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Joanne Eaves and Dr Iro Xenidou-Dervou. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £23,100

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £23,100

July 2027, October 2027

July 2027

• Loughborough, United Kingdom