The Different Career Options for Psychologists

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Psychology is the scientific study of actions and behaviors. Psychologists often form hypotheses and test these through studies and research. They carefully follow the scientific method to gather data. The research methods used by psychologists vary by branches of study. These methods include controlled laboratory experiments, and personality, intelligence, aptitude, or performance tests. Other methods of research are interviews, observations, questionnaires, surveys, and clinical studies.

There are a wide range of careers under the umbrella of psychology. According to the American Psychological Association, there are fifty-six different divisions of psychology. Some of these divisions include abnormal, biological, clinical, cognitive, comparative, counseling, critical, developmental, educational, evolutionary, engineering, environmental, experimental, forensic, global, health, industrial, legal, occupational health, personality, quantitative, school, social, sports, and neuropsychology.

Because psychology encompasses such a variety of job opportunities, psychologists often work in conjunction with other professionals. Examples of these are other scientists, physicians, teachers, lawyers, computer experts, and policy makers.

Psychologists work with both healthy people, and those suffering from mental or emotional disorders. Not only do some psychologists treat people who are mentally or emotionally unstable, but they work with healthy people to better understand the way a healthy mind works, and what affects brain function. Psychologists often work with business executives to help create a more stress-free work environment. They also help to develop more user-friendly technology. Psychologists are often ca...

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...a professional psychologist in clinical, counseling, school, or health services, one must also complete a one year internship.

Psychological pay varies due to the diversity of psychology. The median salary for a clinical psychologist in 2008 was $63,935 according to Payscale.com. Within clinical psychology alone pay ranges greatly based on years of experience and workplace. A clinical psychologist fresh out of college may make $51, 309 whereas one with thirty years experience could make $92,582 yearly. There is more variation based on workplace and employer type. For example, here are more median salaries for clinical psychologist based on workplace: hospital - $64,611; non-profit organization - $55,844; private practice - $74,323; college or university - $52,319; school or school district - $57,644; federal government - $81,840; company - $60,196.

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