Chapter One: What is Psychology?

What Psychologists Do

INTRODUCTION

Psychologists are likely to work in one of three categories: (1) teaching and research, (2) psychological practice; and (3) conducting research and applications in nonacademic settings.

WHAT'S AHEAD

• If someone tells you that he or she is a psychologist, why can't you assume the person is a therapist?
• If you decided to call yourself a “psychotherapist”, would it be legal?
• How can you distinguish a clinical psychologist from a psychiatrist?

KEY CONCEPTS

Psychological Research
Psychological Practice
Psychology in the Community

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Psychological Research

INTRODUCTION

Most of the finding in this text come from research psychologists.

KEY CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

	Basic Psychology
	•	Pure research - knowledge for its own sake.
	•	Example -
	Applied Psychology
	•	Practical use of psychology
	•	Example

GLOSSARY

		basic psychology
		applied psychology

LINKS About Applied and Basic Research

• wwwlink: Example of basic research - smell and memory.
  
  
• wwwlink: Example of applied research - the factors that affect the psychological well-being of astronauts .

Practice of Psychology

INTRODUCTION

Practitioners strive to understand and improve physical and mental health.

KEY CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

Types of Practitioners

• Counseling psychologists deal with problems of everyday life.
  
  
• School psychologists enhance student performance and resolve emotional conflict.
• Clinical psychologists diagnose, treat, and study mental problems.

	Psychotherapists

A psychotherapist is simply “someone who does psychotherapy.” The term is not legally regulated but the following types of psychotherapists are licensed:

Major Types of Psychotherapists

		Clinical psychologist
			Has a Ph.D., Ed.D., of Psy.D.
			Trained in psychological theories and methods.
		Psychiatrist
			A medical doctor with a specialty in psychiatry.
			Tends to focus on the biological causes of mental disorders.
			Treats patients with medication.
		Psychoanalyst
			Has specific training in psychoanalysis after an advanced degree (M.D. or Ph.D.)
		Other Therapists -Licensed Social Worker (LSW) -School Psychologist -Marriage, Family, and child counselor (MFCC)   Licensing requirements vary; generally has at least an M.A. in psychology or social work.
			Licensing requirements vary; generally has at least an M.A. in psychology or social work.

GLOSSARY


LINKS about Psychotherapists

• wwwlink: Counseling Division of the American Psychological Association (APA).
  
  
• wwwlink: Differences between Counseling and Clinical psychologists.
  
  
• wwwlink: School Psychology Division of the APA.
  
  
• wwwlink: Clinical Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association.
  
  
• wwwlink: Differences between PhD and Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist.
  
  
• wwwlink: American Psychoanalytic Association.
  
  
• wwwlink: American Psychiatric Association.
  
  
• wwwlink: How to Choose a Psychologist.

Psychology in the Community

There are an amazing variety of ways in which psychologists can contribute to their community.

LINKS about Psychology and the community

To get a sense of the variety of fields, interests, and settings where you will find psychologists working, check out the different divisions of the these North American psychological associations:

• wwwlink: American Psychological Association
  
  
• wwwlink: American Psychological Society
  
  
• wwwlink: Canadian Psychological Association
  
  
• wwwlink: Psychology in the Community Examples

Next Topic - Critical and Scientific Thinking in Psychology............ Chapter Contents