PhD Oral Exam - Zoey Stark, Psychology

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

This dissertation consists of four primary research studies collectively reporting on the perceptual experience of adults with dyslexia. Sequentially, these studies validate a screening tool for adult dyslexia, investigate the experience of adults with dyslexia and add to our knowledge of the role of visual attention in dyslexia. Data for study 1 was collected as part of a larger research collective within the Concordia Vision lab. Data for studies 2, 3 and 4 was collected as part of one large data collection effort lasting three years. Methods for data analysis span qualitative and quantitative efforts, parametric and non- parametric as well as both traditional null hypothesis testing and Bayesian statistics. Findings from these studies extend our knowledge of adults with dyslexia, deepening our understanding of dyslexia as a lifelong disorder. This thesis focuses on perception in dyslexia, enhancing our understanding of the role of perception as a possible causal deficit, with the overall aim of better understanding what it means to have dyslexia in adulthood.