A Career In Psychology: Tasks

Eye glasses »Psychologists gather information through controlled laboratory experiments or by personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. Other methods may include, but are not limited to, observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys.

»There are many types of Psychologists. A few of them are:

Clinical Psychologists
Neuropsychologists
School Psychologists
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Experimental Psychologists
Developmental Psychologists
Social Psychologists
Counseling Psychologists

»The type of Psychologist that I plan on becoming is a Clinical Psychologist. They work mostly in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. Some Clinical Psychologists work in physical rehab centers, treating patients with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain or illness, stroke, arthritis, and neurological conditions. To help people with their problems they usually interview patients and give diagnostic tests.

»Clinical Psychologists specialize in many areas. Some of those areas include health psychology, neuropsychology, and geropsychology. Health psychologists deal with promoting good health through health maintenance counseling programs. Neuropsychologists study the relation between the brain and behavior and Geropsychologists deal with the special problems faced by the elderly.

»A psychologists place of employment depends on his/her working conditions. Clinical, School, and Counseling Psychologists in private practice usually set their own hours and have their own office. Those employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities may work shifts that include nights and weekends, while others usually work "normal" hours. Many experience pressure because of deadlines, tight schedules, and overtime. Their rutines may be interrupted frequently.

»Another thing you might be wondering is how good is the outlook for Psychology. Well in 2004 Psychologists held about 179,000 jobs. Educational institutions employed about 1 our of 4 in positions other than teaching and almost 2 out of 10 were employed in health care. Doesn't sound like you have much chance, huh? Well years of experience and education helps! Usually those with doctoral degrees enter practice or set up private research or consulting firms. Infact about 4 out of 10 were self-employed in 2004, compared to less than 1 out of 10 among all professional workers.