Professions using psychology The BTEC course is a vocational one – which means it is concerned with the world of work. Therefore, a focus of the course is how the academic study of psychology is applied to the world of work. Someone who is a professional psychologist is likely to have a degree in psychology and then has gone on to do a postgraduate degree. On the le¡ we have mentioned some of these vocational areas, such as criminal and forensic psychology and sport psychology, but there are jobs in these elds (and the ones further down this page) that don’t require a degree in psychology or even a degree, but do bene t from knowledge of psychology, such as the ones below: • Healthcare practitioner (nurse, radiographer, dietician, paramedic, physiotherapist, social care worker). • Social worker. • Teacher (understanding cognitive development). • Counsellor (bereavement, drugs). • Chaplain. • Town planner. • Police (dealing with people, not just crime). • Crime scene investigator. • Working with animals (zoo keeper, veterinarian, trainer). • Law (solicitor, judge, court clerk). • Military psychologist. • Sports coach. • Advertising and marketing. Specialist branches of psychology Clinical psychology People o¡en confuse psychologists with psychiatrists – a psychiatrist is rst of all quali ed as a medical doctor and then specialises in psychiatry. Psychiatrists study psychological disorders, diagnose patients and provide treatments. Clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists and other therapists are concerned with health issues – both physical and mental (psychopathology). Like psychiatrists, they may research, diagnose and treat clients. However, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medicine. Educational psychology Educational psychologists may be involved in designing, implementing and evaluating educational programmes for autistic or dyslexic children. They may also advise on how to deal with problem behaviour and may work directly with children who challenge the educational system. They are o¡en involved in using psychological tests, such as intelligence tests, to help diagnose educational or behavioural issues. Organisational psychology Also sometimes called industrial psychology, occupational psychology or business psychology – using psychological theory and research in the world of commerce, addressing the needs of employers, employees and consumers. An organisational psychologist might help human resources departments to interview applicants and nd the best person–organisation t. An organisational psychologist might also advise on strategies to improve sales by addressing customer needs or how to assess consumer satisfaction. The ‘organisation’ does not have to be commercial – the focus of the organisational psychologist is on how any organisation functions. Environmental psychology Environmental psychology studies the interaction between people and their environment, i.e. their surroundings. The physical and human environment affects our behaviour, feelings, health and performance. Environmental psychologists might advise on the design of cities or buildings or office work spaces, including schools and hospitals as well as businesses. They are also concerned with ways to encourage people to care more for the environment. Research psychology Many psychologists work in universities, teaching students but also pursuing their own research interests. Any job involving people involves psychology – even mind reading. But psychology does not teach you to actually read minds, it teaches you about what people are likely to think and do. Dyscalculia – trouble with numbers. Perhaps a psychologist can help. Designed by a psychologist? Research shows people recover more quickly if they have a nice view from their hospital room (Ulrich 1984). What are the ethical issues of using psychology to boost sales or win more votes? All practising psychologists must be registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and must show respect, competence, responsibility and integrity. So they can use psychology to make more money as long as they behave ethically in doing so. 7 Copyright: Sample material
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc1OTg=