Public Science & Reference

Many college students, when they think of science, think of physics, chemistry, geology, biology, astronomy and other similar fields of study. Psychology, which is the study of the human psyche and of behavior, rarely comes to mind. But psychology is inherently scientific, which is why it is classified as a behavior science.

Like other scientists, psychologists hold a “scientific attitude,” meaning that every aspect of research is critically and skeptically examined, and all biases are purposefully ignored during the research process. As such, the scientific method plays an integral part in the process of psychological research.

The scientific method is a systematic approach to research that involves the use of critical observation and analysis as a means of drawing conclusions that explain the scientific findings resulting from testing a hypothesis based on initial observations. In other words, the scientific method involves the following steps:

1. Identifying a problem

2. Making an educated guess (or hypothesis) about a possible solution

3. Conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis

4. Analyzing and recording information collected during the experiment

5. Making a conclusion that explains the findings of the experiment.

Identifying a Problem

This first step is more complicated than one might think. First, the researcher must decide on the topic to be studied. Once a topic is chosen, the researcher needs to review all existing literature covering the topic of choice, including academic journals. government studies and psychology books. Doing so will help the researcher to understand what is already known about his or her topic. Many psychologists also will conduct an initial survey to gather basic information. Once all background research is completed the researcher is ready to form a testable hypothesis.

Formulate a Hypothesis

Heinz Kohut developed the theory of Self Psychology at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. As it stands, Self Psychology explains psychopathology as developmental needs that have been interrupted or unmet. There are several concepts that are crucial aspects of this theory, including empathy, mirroring, idealizing and the tripolar self. Though Self Psychology asserts the Freudian concepts of drive and conflict, these concepts are understood as a completely separate framework.

Kohut first came to psychoanalysis by studying neurology and psychiatry; he loved the theories of analysis and immortalized Freud for his primitive concepts. In the 1960s, Heinz Kohut began to explore the boundaries of narcissism and called his findings the “psychology of the self.” In 1971, Kohut published his work, “The Analysis of the Self,” arguing the new theory as a more patient-based analytical strategy; if therapy was to be successful, the patient needed to address foremost the self.

Kohut established four developmental stages of the human self:

1. Nuclear — human babies are born with this; it is a biologically determined psychological identity. It takes no work; it is thrust upon each individual and begins the journey of the human self.

2. Virtual– the nuclear self meets this; it is the self as seen in the minds of the parents. The child has no control over the emergence of this self, as it is the one that is impressed on the child by its caregivers.

3. Cohesive — the point where the interaction of the previous selves leads the child to regulate and organize the activities of the ego, where along the way:

4. Grandiose – an identity that sees oneself as at the epicenter of everything; as Freud had often stated, children find themselves to be the center of the universe until reaching a certain age, where others emerge and settle comfortably within their world. This self is struggling on the verge of narcissistic rage.

Summer internships create opportunities for psychology students to enhance their educational endeavors and find a good job after graduation. Summer internships provide on the job experience, a necessary requirement when entering today’s competitive job market. Students can benefit from summer internships by attaining marketable job skills, networking and learning the ins and outs of their chosen field.

Before looking for internships, psychology students should know what kind of internship they are interested in undertaking. Wasting time on unrelated fields will not help the a student in his or her future job search. All students should know what their objectives are for obtaining a summer internship.

Many summer internships for psychology students are unpaid. Being open-minded about not getting paid for a summer will greatly increase the chances of finding an internship. A few internships for students do offer payment and some can be applied towards tuition credit. But it is best to be prepared for an unpaid internship.

To find summer internships, students should first look in their department at school. Instructors and department heads may have information on companies that are hiring summer interns. They may also be able to provide contact information that can aid in the search.

The college’s career service center is also a good resource for finding summer internships. They will have inside knowledge on who is looking for interns and companies that would be a good fit for students.

Psychology students can also find guidebooks that offer details on summer internships. Internship websites are plentiful and provide good resources for psychology students. Some employers will advertise directly with the college. Colleges usually hold at least one annual career or internship fair per semester.

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The EPPP is an essential test that needs to be passed by candidates aspiring to become successful psychologists. To carve a niche in the field of psychology, one needs to pass this grueling exam.

In order to study in a systematic way, aspiring psychologists are studying with the help of software programs which are easily available online. These websites provide a great deal of information about the EPPP courses and help students to pass the exam. Studies show that in-spite of having knowledge about the psychology exam; many students fail to pass the exam. This is because the exam needs a detailed study as it covers eight theories which cover the different aspects of psychology.

The examinationis of four hours and fifteen minutes and there are 225 questions that are needed to be answered in this duration. The EPPP preparation covers the following areas of psychology:

Biological Bases of Behavior

Cognitive-affective bases of behavior

Social & Multicultural bases of behavior

Growth & Lifespan development

Assessment and Diagnosis

Treatment and Intervention

Research methods, ethical, legal and professional issues

The software provided by the websites is based upon the content provided by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology boards. ASPPB is an association of licensing boards in the United States and Canada. It was formed in 1961 and the association conducts the exam which is used by licensing boards to as a standard exam to assess the the candidates for licensure and certification.

If you’re interested in psychology and want to focus on clinical study, a PsyD degree is essential. A PsyD degree is a doctorate in clinical psychology. A PsyD is the preferred choice for those wish to open their own private practice and help clients with their problems. In fact, it is required in order to become a licensed psychologist.

A PsyD is very intensive and requires an internship, dissertation and up to seven years of study before completion. This degree prepares students for the licensing exam they are required to pass before practicing as a psychologist. Although PsyD programs focus on preparing students for clinical practice, students with a PsyD degree can work in academics and research as well.

Although a PsyD focuses on clinical work, it also incorporates elements of theory and research so that students have a well-rounded education. Students also learn important skills such as effective communication, ethics, compassion and sensitivity. Since psychology involves dealing with people, students must be willing to help and listen. The research portion of the program teaches students how research is conducted in the real world. This means that students learn to work with others and present accurate and detailed findings.

The PsyD program can require anywhere from 100-141 credit hours of study. The program requires completion of the following types of courses:

- Personality and cognitive assessments
- Treating diverse populations
- Psychopharmacology
- Behavioral, experimental and psychodynamic therapy
- Assessment and intervention skills
- Group, family and couples therapy
- Consultation and supervision
- Ethics and professionalism
- Human development
- Social and physiological psychology
- Cognition
- Psychopathology
- Research and statistics
- Clinical research

One accredited school that offers this degree is Argosy University, which has a clinical psychology program that emphasizes knowledge and skill development necessary to become a psychologist. Students will learn to assess clients’ problems and strengths by using appropriate and professional diagnostic measures. They are also taught to communicate their findings effectively.

Sport psychology has become a fundamental part of professional sports and may become even more mainstream in years to come. One reason for the increasing importance of therapy for athletes is the anxiety and depression that sometimes accompany fame. When coupled with the pressures of a competitive profession, the burden may hamper a player’s athletic performance. One major aspect of a sport psychologist’s job is to provide the necessary tools to cope with pressure, allowing athletes to focus on their game.

In addition to counseling individual athletes, a sports psychologist may work with an entire organization to improve morale and communication, sometimes providing leadership tools for the coaches and leading group therapy for teammates. Further illustrating the importance of psychology in sports, some coaches attain degrees in sports psychology to improve their leadership abilities and aid their athletes.

When working with individuals, psychologists must be versatile. After performing a thorough analysis of the problems plaguing an athlete, a sport psychologist generally customizes goals and therapy techniques for the individual. Issues such as an athlete’s inability to relax after a sporting event is common, but providing effective therapy may require a different set of goals and techniques for each athlete.

Some of the most common therapy goals for athletes include improving confidence, self-control and self-awareness. To reach these goals, the psychologist may utilize tools such as meditation, visualization, goal-setting and an assortment of other mental training techniques.

Another important contribution of sport psychology involves working with injured players because improving an athlete’s mental state may aid in his or her recovery. The perception of letting down their teammates may leave some athletes feeling guilty, while others may suffer from anxiety related to rejoining their teammates after an injury-induced absence. Restoring an athlete’s mental state is crucial to full recuperation, and motivational methods often play a major role the healing process.

Psychology is sometimes used to teach people to operate on a healthier level by establishing methods of communication. The key to solving problems is finding out what people are thinking, how they feel about certain issues, and then teaching them how to properly communicate their thoughts to others. Organizational psychology is a form of psychology that uses these principles to foster a more productive work environment.

The ultimate goal of organizational psychology is to increase productivity by heightening the morale of employees. One of the things an organizational psychologist does is help workers understand how they interact with their co-workers and, if necessary, how to make the changes needed to develop satisfactory relationships in the workplace.

How Organizational Psychology Works

While observing individuals and groups, organizational psychologists can determine where the strengths and weaknesses occur in a workplace and develop a plan to achieve workable solutions for any problems that exist. In order for the workplace to operate productively, all workers must be able to devote 100 percent of their capabilities to completing a job correctly, efficiently and in a timely manner. If workers are experiencing personal problems, engaged in some sort of conflict with their co-workers, or are generally unhappy with their work environment, productivity will be affected and business can suffer.

The Role of an Organizational Psychologist

An organizational psychologist works with everyone from lower-ranked employees to middle management and leadership teams. Organizational psychologists are called in to identify problems in the workplace and create solutions to remedy the situation. Once employees understand their own behavior, along with understanding the business goals and how they’re to be achieved, workers will be better able to work with others, moving in the direction needed to foster success within the business.