CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY

The Profession of Psychology

• American Psychological Association had 52 divisions in 1998

• Some represent areas of training and specialization (e.g., developmental, clinical)

• Some are applied (i.e., teaching in psychology, psychology and the law)

Basic Research

• Pure science or research

• Research for the sake of finding new information and expanding the knowledge base of psychology

Applied Research

• Research designed to solve specific practical problems

Clinical Psychologist

• Diagnose and treat patients with psychological problems

• Largest number of professional psychologists

REVIEW

QUESTION: The difference between basic and applied research is…

ANSWER: Basic is scientific research trying to find new information.

Applied is research that is trying to solve a practical problem.

REVIEWQUESTION: Where do most psychologists

work?

ANSWER: Private Practice or Colleges & Universities