Why people do things they do is an age-old question. However, psychology – the science concerned with behaviour, both humans and animals – is only about 125 years old. Despite its youth, it is a broad discipline, essentially spanning subject matter from biology to sociology. Biology studies the structure and functions of living organisms. Sociology examines how groups of function in society. Psychologists study two critical relationships: one between brain function and behaviour, and one between the environment and behaviour. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. But psychologists also need to be creative in the way they apply scientific findings.

Psychologists are frequently innovators, evolving new approaches from established knowledge to meet changing needs of people and societies. They develop theories and test them through their research. As this research yields new information, these findings become part of the body of knowledge that practitioners call on in their work with clients and patients. Psychology is a tremendously varied field. Psychologists conduct both basic and applied research, serve as consultants to communities and organisations, diagnose and treat people, and teach future psychologists and other types of students. They test intelligence and personality. They assess behavioural and mental function and well being, stepping in to help where appropriate. They study how human beings relate to each other and also to machines, and they work to improve these relationships. And with America undergoing large changes in its population make-up, psychologists bring important knowledge and skills to understanding.

Psychology is an extraordinarily diverse field with hundreds of career paths. Some specialities, like caring for the mentally ill, are familiar to most of us. Others, like helping with the design of advanced computer systems or studying how we remember things, are less well known. Many psychologists work independently. They also team up with other professionals –for example, other scientists, physicians, lawyers, school personnel, computer experts, engineers, policy makers, and managers – to contribute to every area of society. Thus we find them in laboratories, hospitals, courtrooms, schools and universities, community health centres, prisons, and corporate offices.

Psychologists traditionally study both normal and abnormal functioning, and also treat patients with mental and emotional problems. Today, they are increasingly concentrating on behaviours that affect the mental and emotional health and mental processes of healthy human beings. For example, they work with business executives, performers, and athletes to combat stress and improve performance. They advise lawyers on jury selection, and collaborate with educators on school reform. They show up immediately following a disaster such as a plane event. They team with law enforcement and public health officials to analyse the causes of such events and prevent their occurrence. Involved in all aspects of our fast-paced world, psychologists must keep up with what’s happening all around us. When you’re a psychologist, your education never ends.

Psychology is a discipline with a bright future. Among fields requiring a college degree, it is expected to be the third-growing field in America through the years 2005 and to continue to grow steadily for at least another dozen years after that.

Opportunities for work in psychology are expanding in number and scope. The move toward preventing illness, rather than mere diagnosing and treating it, requires people to learn how to make healthy behaviour a routine part of living. Indeed, many of the problems facing society today are problems about behaviour, for example, drug addiction, poor personal relationships, violence at home and in the street, and the harm we do to our environment. Psychologists contribute solutions to problems through careful collection of data, analysis of data, and development of intervention strategies- in other words, by applying scientific principles, the hallmark of psychology.

In addition, an aging America is leading to more research and practise in adapting our homes and workplace for older people. The promises of the electronic revolution demand more user-friendly technologies and training. More women in the workplace call for employers to accommodate the needs of families. Psychologists are helping employers to make the changes that are needed. The diversity of America today calls for psychologists to develop advances in learning and memory, and the integration of physical and mental health care, make psychology more exciting than ever.

Most psychologists say they love their work. They cite the variety from day to day and the flexibility of their schedules. They are thrilled by the most exciting changes taking place in the field, from working with primary care physicians to using computers. Most of all, they are committed to helping people manage the ups and downs of daily life.

Contributed by:
American Psychological Association