WEEK 1 JOURNAL
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Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to
Explain the types of preparation needed to obtain a career in a field of interest.
Apply the elements of thought to critical thinking scenarios.
Compare and contrast representations of the scientific method.
1Professional Applications of
Psychology Yolanda Harper, PhD—AshfordAshford University University
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Scientifically critique claims published in popular and scholarly sources.
Understand the importance of written communication skills.
Distinguish credible resources for obtaining information about APA professional ethics.
Nellia, about to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in psychology, says, “I’ve always been the friend that people talked to about their problems. I’m passionate about helping people and I also want to have my own private practice. I would love to earn a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology to become a licensed psychologist. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll get my LPC [Licensed Professional Counselor].”
Marcus has worked with his company for eight years and has been promoted twice. His supervisor is pleased with his work and believes Marcus would make an excellent manager, but Marcus must have a bachelor’s degree to be promoted to a management position. He chose psychology because his job requires him to work with people, and he has found that the extra insight has helped him improve his performance. None of the upper management positions in his company require a master’s degree, so he is not interested in a graduate degree.
Janine is graduating in less than two months and is still not sure what she wants to do with her psychology degree. Her grades are average and she is comfortable taking online classes and enjoys engaging with the instructors and her classmates. She ponders, “I think I would enjoy teaching online classes.” She is planning to apply to an online graduate psychology program to earn her master’s degree. She is not yet committed to earning a doctorate degree but is open to the possibility depending on how she does in the master’s program.
Kyle is planning to open his own business eventually. “Before starting my own business, I’ll earn my MBA while obtaining sales, marketing, budgeting, and leadership experience in a retail chain business. Having a psychology background will help me understand my customers and the market.”
Ariel is earning her bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in criminal justice while on active duty in the Air Force. She has a successful military career and is looking forward to her retirement in three years. She tells her instructor, “I am preparing for a position in the justice system, most likely a probation officer. Occasionally, I think I might be interested in law school—my husband says I love to argue and debate like an attorney—but I don’t know. I’ll probably just look for a job in juvenile probation.”
Five different stories, five very different career paths, each one relevant to psychology. Each of these graduates will utilize the knowledge and skills obtained from basic and applied psychological research in unique ways, as will you. This book is designed to assist you in synthesizing information you have learned throughout your degree program to prepare you for a variety of career trajectories after graduation. As you think about these stories, consider the following questions:
Which of these stories do you relate to most, and why? What ways have you applied psychology in your everyday life? How might a degree in psychology help you navigate your personal and professional life more
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effectively?