17.5 Subfields of Psychology
Despite being a relatively young field, psychology is a vast and varied discipline. Psychologists provide treatment for people with mental disorders, examine cognitive processes, study changes across the life span, work with children in schools, help corporations develop marketing strategies, and much more. They work in a variety of settings, including laboratories, courtrooms, schools, colleges, universities, prisons, and corporations (American Psychological Association [APA], 2011b). Many psychologists conduct innovative research, building on the field’s extensive knowledge base. In an ever-changing and increasingly diverse environment, psychologists are leading efforts to improve the mental health and well-being of people throughout the world. Let’s explore some of the subfields of psychology.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of people with psychological disorders. In addition to providing therapy, many of these professionals also conduct research on psychological disorders. They may, for example, use brain scanning technologies to better understand the causes of depression, or design studies to compare the effects of different treatments. Some work as professors in colleges or universities, others as clinicians in medical facilities or private practice (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
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Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychologists examine thinking, memory, intelligence, language, attention, and problem solving. Using the scientific method, these psychologists study how people “perceive, interpret and store information” (APA, 1998b. Cognitive psychologists generally work in college and university settings, but many are employed as business consultants (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
Counseling Psychology
Like clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists provide treatment for people with psychological disorders. But as opposed to helping people with severe disorders, they tend to work with those needing support concerning day-to-day problems. They tend to focus on relationship issues, career exploration, and stress management. These psychologists can be found in academic settings, clinical practice, and hospitals (APA, 1998b, 2011b). The work of clinical and counseling psychologists overlaps to some degree, although differences may result from their specific training programs. In some cases, counseling programs are located in a psychology department, which is also the case for most clinical programs. However, many counseling psychology programs are affiliated with education departments, which might provide different types of research and training than psychology departments.
Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychologists are primarily concerned with physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes that occur over the life span (APA, 1998b, 2011b). Research in this field provides information about people from conception to death, impacting, for example, how children are treated in day-care settings, students are educated in classrooms, and elderly people are advised to manage their health. Although this field once focused primarily on children from birth to adolescence, developmental psychologists have become increasingly aware of the importance of research focused on adults as they age. They are especially concerned with helping people remain independent throughout life (APA, 2011b).
Educational and School Psychology
Educational psychologists examine methods of learning and how memory relates to learning. As such, these specialists play a key role in developing teaching strategies and curricula. School psychologists often apply lessons gleaned by educational psychologists in the classroom and in classifying where students are academically. Educational and school psychologists work at colleges and universities, in school districts, and in private practice. Some educational psychologists are employed in industry, helping to create and evaluate student assessments (APA, 1998b, 2011b). These psychologists may collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and parents to provide an effective and safe learning environment. They also assist students who are having learning difficulties and those who are assessed as gifted, or they might assist teachers dealing with classroom management and student behavior problems.
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Engineering Psychology
Engineering psychologists conduct research to improve work environments by optimizing processes, systems, and equipment. They are also referred to as human factors specialists and usually work in industry and government (APA, 2011b). These specialists play a key role in observing on-the-job activities, conducting surveys, and recommending changes to facilitate optimal work environments with high productivity and safety. They may recommend changes in equipment, workload, personnel, or training.
Environmental Psychology
Environmental psychologists are interested in the connection between behavior and the physical environment. “Physical environment” is anywhere that humans spend time, be it at home, in a college dorm, or on a city block. Environmental psychologists are interested in exploring how to promote “positive human behavior” in governmental agencies, business, and other types of settings (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
Experimental Psychology
Experimental psychologists are science enthusiasts. They spend their days conducting basic and applied research on people, animals, and data. These researchers typically focus on a particular area of study, such as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or animal behavior. Experimental psychologists may teach at colleges and universities, or conduct research for industries (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists apply the principles of psychology to the legal system, working in diverse environments including criminal, family, and civil courts. These experts often are called upon in legal cases involving decisions about child custody, or situations in which a person’s “mental competence to stand trial” is in question (APA, 2011b. Some forensic psychologists are trained in law as well as in psychology, and they may conduct research on topics such as jury behavior or eyewitness testimony.
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Health Psychology
Health psychologists are primarily interested in promoting positive health behaviors and preventing illness. They may conduct research aimed at answering questions such as, why do people smoke? or what drives someone to overeat? and their findings are used to promote good health practices. Health psychologists examine how individuals deal with sickness, pain, and medical treatment. They look at the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors in relation to health and well-being. Health psychologists may be employed by hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, or they might conduct a private practice (APA, 1998, 2011b).
Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
Industrial and organizational psychologists examine the relationships of people working in organizations. They are particularly interested in employee job satisfaction, productivity, organizational structure and change, as well as the interface between humans and machines. In addition, I/O psychologists work with administrators to assist in hiring, training, and educating employees, and promoting their interests. I/O psychologists are often employed in industry, government, business, and academic settings (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
Media Psychology
Media psychologists examine the interactions among graphics, images, sound, and the human response. These psychologists study the field of psychology and the development, production, and use of technology. Media psychologists investigate all forms of media (print, radio, television, social media) through different formats (mobile, interactive, virtual; APA, 2012c). They are particularly concerned with the way media shape our time. They may also look at how social media, text messaging, and even e-mail have influenced the manner in which people relate to one another. Media psychologists might also consider the way reality shows can elevate ordinary people to celebrity status.
Neuropsychology and Psychobiology
Neuropsychologists and psychobiologists are interested in the relationship between human behavior and the body (neural activity, hormonal changes, and so on; APA, 1998b, 2011b). These psychologists work with people recovering from strokes and brain traumas, or struggling with learning disabilities and developmental delays. They investigate how the structure and function of the brain relate to behavior, cognition, and emotion. Neuropsychologists and psychobiologists often conduct research at colleges or universities, but they may also be employed by hospitals or other medical facilities (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
Rehabilitation Psychology
Rehabilitation psychologists either conduct research on or work with patients who have lost functioning as a result of strokes, epilepsy, autism, or accidents, for example. These psychologists are particularly concerned with helping people adjust to work, relationships, and day-to-day living. Their research may impact the development of public programs (APA, 2011b).
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Social Psychology
Social psychologists examine the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of people in groups. They may study attitudes, persuasion, discrimination, conformity, or group behavior. Social psychologists are interested in the many factors that influence interpersonal relationships, as well as the factors associated with attraction and love. While often employed by colleges and universities, these psychologists may also work for businesses and corporations (APA, 1998b, 2011b).
Sport Psychology
Sport psychologists help athletes and their coaches address competition, motivation, anxiety, or worry related to athletic performance (APA, 2011b). As any sport psychologist can testify, being physically fit is not the only requirement for athletic excellence. Sport psychologists also work in many corporations, helping to build their “teams” and providing support for dealing with stress management, building confidence, and improving performance on the job (APA, n.d.).
The science of psychology is relatively young compared to other sciences, and it is growing and changing with the advancement of technology and interdisciplinary research. If you are considering a career in psychology, you will want to keep up with the exciting developments in the field, and one good place to do that is on the Web sites of the professional organizations associated with the field (the Association for Psychological Science and the American Psychological Association) as well as by logging onto LaunchPad at http://worthpublishers.com/launchpad/Licht.