Experimental Psychologist - Essay Example

Philosophy, Essay   Topic:  Experimental Psychologist 19th November Introduction Psychology may be defined as the scientific study of conscious experience. In observing conscious experience, patients need to pause and focus on their thoughts which then may defined as an empirical study thereby the terms experimental psychology. These experimental psychologists apply scientific methods to collect data which forms the basis of their empirical study. Areas studied in this field may include psychological phenomena such as personality and cognitive processes.

The experimental psychologists may also be referred as research psychologist and they specialize in human and animal behaviour. Areas of specialty include learning, drug abuse, learning, motivation, memory retention, sensory. In cases of brain abnormality or dysfunction, the experimental psychologist helps in the recovery of these patients to develop memory loss treatments (Psychology Education Assoc. 1). Education and training Most experimental psychologist is holders of masters or doctorate degrees and each state requires that all practicing research psychologist should pass a certain test.

In addition, some states may require that a practicing experimental psychologist should enroll in a continuing education class (Psychology Education Assoc 4). During the training an experimental psychologist can various aspects of human behaviour and include motivation, judgment, interest, learning and reminiscence. Other areas of interest includes how the patients sense and perceive what is around them, consequences of drug abuse, and hereditary and neurological factors which affect the behavior of their patients.

Due to the critical nature of the work done by experimental psychologists only those who have earned doctorate degrees are allowed to run research laboratories. Doctorate students take a minimum of 3 years to complete and provide the students with advanced training and knowledge which enables them to undertake their own experimental research and collect appropriate data (All Psychology Schools, 4) Places of employment Experimental psychologists have various places of work. They can work in different research institutes, teaching institutions such as the universities and colleges and can also work in the government and private institutions such as businesses and also in hospitals (Cherry, 4).

Since they are involved in human behaviour those in the government and private businesses try to look for ways of motivating their employees so as to get the best return out of them. However, those in the teaching institutions are often involved in teaching the psychology classes. Those who work in the hospitals try to understand human behaviour and are especially important in understanding the behavior of people who are mentally ill or those who have other illnesses and thus look for the best way to help them.

This is because the environmental psychologist will help in guiding the therapeutic process through their discoveries in thus help in shaping up the treatment processes Human behavior is still not a fully understood concept. Because of this, treating patients with mental illnesses can be difficult. Without knowing the best therapeutic techniques, psychologists may not be able to fully help their patients. The benefit of having trained psychologists conduct research in the field is that they can guide the therapeutic process through their discoveries.

Experimental psychologists can perform researches in areas they feel require further understanding and shape the practice as a whole (Pyschology Career Zone, np). Salary The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies experimental psychologist under the psychologists and their annual salary for most psychologists are in the sphere of $68, 640 as by 2010 (Bureau of Labor Statistics 1). The amount of salary given to Experimental psychologists however vary depending on their education level, the sector in which they are employed and also the geographic location.

In Texas, the salary for experimental psychologists ranges from $47,620 to $109,540 annually with an average of $84,840 (Salary Box, np). Daily routine Experimental psychologists are normally faced by a number of situations ranging from the simple tasks to more complex situations depending on where they work. There are however challenges of myths and misconceptions which they encounter on day to day basis. These include the myths that mental illnesses are caused by demons and thus need spiritual kind of healing rather than medical treatment.

In conclusion, experimental psychologists are very important people in the society who deal with human behavior. This profession is well developed in Texas with good return with those in this field earning a good salary. Works Cited “Fields within Psychology”. PsychologyCareerZone.com. web. 19 Nov 2012. http://www.psychologycareerzone.com/fields-within-psychology.html Allpsychologyschools “Experimental Psychology”. All Star Directories, Inc. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. http://www.allpsychologyschools.

com/psychology-careers/career/experimental-psychology Bureau of Labor Statistics. “U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Psychologists” 2012, web. 19 Nov. 2012 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm Cherry Kandra. “Experimental Psychologist Career Profile.” 2012, web. 19 Nov. 2012 http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/experimental-psychologist.htm Psychology Education Assoc. “Experimental psychology” 2012, web.19 Nov. 2012 http://www.

psychologycareercenter.org/experimental-psychologist.html Salary Box. “Experimental Psychologist Salary in Texas: Most Current Data”. web. 19 Nov. 2012. http://salarybox.com/salary.php?state=TX&id=1821&year=2011