Careers in Psychology Module 3

Describe what psychologists in various professions do and where they work. Lesson Objective

Why a Psych Degree You Ask? Benefits of a Psychology Degree: Graduate with a scientific mind-set Awareness of human behavior Prepares you for success in multiple areas. Business Health Services Marketing Law Sales Teaching

Basic Research Subfields Focus Careers Cognitive Psychologists Research: designing-computer based models of thought processes and identifying biological correlates of cognition. Study thought processes Focus on language, perception, attention, problem solving, memory, judgement & decision making, forgetting and intelligence. Professor Industrial consultant Human factors specialists – education or business Developmental Psychologists Research: topics related to learning or develop innovative methods of teaching to enhance the learning process. Interested in the psychological processes involved in learning Study the relationship between learning & physical and social environments. Design tests – measures of aptitude & achievement. Develop strategies for enhancing the learning process. Universities Schools or Government Agencies Agencies that design & implement effective employee-training programs. Experimental Psychologists Research: not limited to the field! Comparative methods of science, motivation, learning thought, attention, memory, perception, and language. Investigate a variety of basic behavioral processes in humans and other animals. Very diverse group Most identify with a particular subfield. Academic setting – teaching, supervising students’ research in addition to conducting your own. Research Institutes Zoos Businesses Government Agencies Psychometric & Quantitative Psychologists *Must be well trained in research methods, statistics, and computer technology! Study the methods and techniques used to acquire psychological knowledge. Updates existing neurocognitive or personality tests Devises new tests for businesses, schools, and industry & clinical settings. Administer, score, and interpret the tests. Collaborate with researchers to design, analyze, and interpret the results of research programs. University or college Testing company Private research firm Government agency Social Psychologists Study Topics: Attitudes Aggression Prejudice Interpersonal attraction Group behavior Leadership Interested with our interactions with others. Study how our beliefs, feelings, and behavior are affected by and influence other people. University or College Organization Consultation Market Research Social Neuroscience Hospitals Federal agencies Businesses performing applied research.

Applied Research Studies Focus Careers Forensic Psychologists Apply psychological principals to legal issues. Conduct research on the interface of the law & psychology. Help to create public policies related to public health. Consult on jury selections & deliberation processes. Assessment to assist the legal community. Most are clinical psychologists University Law school Research organization Community mental health agency Law enforcement agency Courts Correctional settings. Health Psychologists Promote health & preventing disease Help individuals lead healthier lifestyles by designing, conducting, & evaluating programs Identify conditions and practices associated with health *& illness to help create interventions Public Service – study & work to improve govt. policies & health care systems. Hospital Medical School Rehabilitation center Public health agency College Clinical psychologists private practice Industrial-Organization (I/O) Psychologists Study the relationship between people & their working environments. Develop new ways to increase productivity, improve personal selection, or promote job satisfaction. Interests are organization structure & change, consumer behavior, & personal selection & training. Conduct workplace training or provide organizational analysis & development. Business Industry Government Self employed consultant Management consulting firm Neuropsychologists Investigate the relationship between neurological processes and behavior. Assess, diagnose, or treat the central nervous system disorders. Evaluate individuals for evidence of head injuries, learning & developmental disabilities, & adhd Academic Settings Rehabilitation Psychologists Work with people who have lost optimal functioning after an accident, illness, or other event. Federal rehabilitation agency Private practice School Psychologists Assess and intervene for children in educational settings Diagnose & treat cognitive, social & emotional problems that affect student’s learning. Collaborate with teachers, parents, & administrators to improve students learning. Academic setting Government Agency Behavior research laboratory Sports Psychologists Study the psychological factors that influence sports. Research, teaching, & participating in sports. Counsel those with psychological problems (with counseling degree) Academic Setting Sports team Private capacity

Careers/Requirements Helping Professions Focus Careers/Requirements Clinical Psychologists Promote physical health in all. Treat a range of disorders or may specialize in a specific one Engage in research, teaching, assessment, & consultation Hold workshops, lectures Doctorate from a clinical psychology program required Private Practice Universities Mental heath service organizations Schools Industries Legal & Medical Systems Counseling centers Government agencies & military services Community Psychologists Study broad problems of mental health in community settings. Believe that human behavior is influence by the interaction between people and their environment. Seek to promote psychological health by enhancing environmental settings, focusing on preventive measures and crisis intervention. PREVENTION Work with public health psychologists to understand their focus better. Federal department of mental health, corrections, & welfare Independent Consultant Universities or Colleges Counseling Psychologists Help people adjust to life transitions or make lifestyle changes. Conduct therapy and provide assessments to individuals and groups. Provide emphasis on client’s strengths, helping them to use their own skills, interests, and abilities to cope during transitions. Academic Setting Community Mental health center Business Private practice (must have state license to provide counseling)