What Kind of Psychologist Would YOU Be?
Now that you have read and heard all about the different kinds of psychologists and
careers in psychology, think about what it might be like if YOU were going to pursue a
career in psychology. (Even if you have no interest in pursuing a career in psychology,
imagine that you do!)
1. Review the focus of each of the branches or perspectives in psychology including
Freudian, cognitive, behavioral, biological, humanistic, evolutionary, comparative, etc.
Which perspective(s) do you personally most identify with? In other words, which
do you find most interesting and relevant, which makes the most sense to you,
which would you utilize if you were to become a psychologist? Explain why.
Which perspective(s) do you find least appealing? Why?
2. Now review the different subfields or specialties in psychology including
psychobiology, neuroscience, neuropsychology, community psychology, personality,
quantitative/psychometrics, educational, school psychology, developmental
(child/adolescent/adult/aging), experimental psychology, forensic psychology,
rehabilitation psychologists, social psychology, industrial/organizational psychology,
health psychology, sports psychology, motivation, etc.
Which subfield(s) would you choose? Identify (at least) two areas that are most
interesting to you and indicate why.
Which subfield(s) do you find least interesting? Why?
3. Finally, review the different professions (and degrees) in psychology including
psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, counseling psychologists, social workers,
researchers, research assistants, etc.
Which profession would you choose? Identify the area(s) that is most interesting
to you and indicate why.
Which profession(s) do you find least interesting? Why?
Finally, explain what type of setting and type of clientele can you imagine yourself
working with and why.