1. Psychologists work in three main categories: teaching and research at universities; providing health or mental services; and conducting research or applying findings in non-academic settings. 2. There are two main types of psychological research: basic research aims to increase knowledge for its own sake, while applied research studies issues with direct practical significance or applies findings. 3. Psychologists practice in various settings like hospitals, schools, and private practice to understand and improve physical and mental health. Their credentials and training vary depending on their specific role, such as psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, or psychiatrist.

1. Psychology
Lesson 2:
What Psychologists Do

2. Three Categories
1. Teaching & doing research at
universities
2. Providing health or mental
services
3. Conducting research or applying
its finding in nonacademic settings

3. Psychological Research
• Basic Psychology: Study of
psychological issues in order to seek
knowledge for its own sake
• Applied Psychology: Study of
psychological issues that have direct
practical significance; also the
application of psychological findings.

4. Psychological Practice
• Goal is to understand & improve
physical & mental health
–Work in mental hospitals, general
hospitals, clinics, schools, counseling
centers, the criminal justice system &
private practice

5. Psychotherapist Person who does psychotherapy;
credentials and training vary
Clinical Has a doctoral degree
Psychologist
Psychoanalyst Has specific training in
psychoanalysis after an
advanced degree (M.D./Ph.D.)
Psychiatrist A physician (M.D.) with
specialization in psychiatry
Other Licensing requirements vary by state;
generally at least an M.A. Can be social
professionals worker (LCSW), counselor (MFCC)
After Table 1.2 from
Wade, C., & Tavris, C. (2002). Invitation to Psychology, 2nd Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

6. Types of Private Practices
• Counseling Psychologists
–Generally help people deal with
problems of every day life

7. • School psychologists
–Work with parents, teachers, &
students to enhance students’
performance & resolve emotional
difficulties

8. • Clinical psychologists
–Diagnose, treat, & study mental or
emotional problems
• Psychotherapist
–Anyone who does any kind of
psychotherapy
–Not legally regulated

9. • Psychoanalyst
–Practices one particular form of
therapy (psychoanalysis)
–Must have an advanced degree,
receive specialized training &
undergo extensive
psychoanalysis yourself

10. • Psychiatrists
–MD who has done a 3 year residency
in psychiatry under supervision to
learn to diagnose & treat mental
disorders
–More likely to focus on possible
biological causes of mental disorders
& often treat these problems with
medication

11. • Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Licensing requirements vary by state
but usually include a masters degree
in psychology or social work & include
1-2 years of supervised experience

12. Psychology in the Community
–Consult with companies to improve
worker satisfaction & productivity
–Establish programs to improve race
relations & reduce ethnic tensions
–Advise commissions on how pollution &
noise affect mental health

13. • Do rehabilitation training for people who
are physically or mentally disabled
• Educate judges & juries about eye
witness testimony
• Assist the police in emergencies involving
hostages or disturbed persons
• Conduct public opinion surveys

14. • Run suicide prevention hotlines
• Advise zoos on the care & training of
animals
• Help coaches improve the athletic
performance of their teams