Majoring in Psychology E-Book

Jeffrey L. Helms

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Bildung
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 705

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Updated to reflect the latest data in the field, the second edition of Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Your Educational and Career Goals remains the most comprehensive and accessible text for psychology majors available today. * The new edition incorporates the most up-to-date research, as well as recent changes to the GRE * Reveals the benefits of pursuing a psychology degree and shows students how to prepare for a career or to continue with graduate study in the field * Features a wide range of supplemental exercises and materials plus topical contributions written by national and international figures in their respective psychology subfields * Online support materials for instructors include Powerpoint slides and test banks to support each chapter

Leseprobe

CONTENTS

Cover

About the Authors

Title page

List of Boxes

List of Tables

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Website

Part I: Majoring in Psychology

Chapter One: Why Major in Psychology?

Introduction

How to Use this Book

Why Major in Psychology?

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings by Topic Area

References

Chapter Two: Succeeding in College

Introduction

The Experience of Adjusting to College

Academic Strategies

Campus Resources

Conclusion

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

References

Chapter Three: Succeeding in the Psychology Major

Introduction

The Nature of Academic Work in the Psychology Major

Common Challenges for Psychology Majors

Strategies for Success

Conclusion

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Four: Assessing and Developing Career Goals

Introduction

The Nature and Value of Career Goal Setting

Assessing Self and Developing Life Goals

Assessing Self and Developing Career Goals

Assessing Self and Developing Educational Goals

 Conclusion

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

References

Chapter Five: Using your Bachelor’s Degree

Introduction

Work Settings of Recent Graduates

What Employers Want from Applicants for Entry-Level Positions

How to Develop What Employers Want

Finding Entry-Level Positions

Preparing Job Application Materials: Résumés and Cover Letters

Preparing For and Completing Job Interviews and Considering Offers

Starting Salaries

Suggested Exercises

Resources

References

Chapter Six: The Preprofessional Degree

Introduction

Is Graduate School Right for You?

Course Selection

Grades and Grade Point Average

Research Experience

Internships, Field Practica, and Work Experience

Mentoring

Getting Involved in Professional Organizations

Getting Involved on Campus

Community Service and Extracurricular Activities

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Seven: The Preprofessional Degree

Applying to Graduate School

Introduction

The Subfields of Psychology

Deciding on the Type of Graduate Education

Finding Available Graduate Programs

Evaluating the Graduate Programs You Find

Selecting Programs to Pursue

Preparing Vitae – An Essential Part of Your Application Packet

Statements of Intent and Admissions Essays

Letters of Recommendation

The Graduate School Application Packet

Interviewing

Making Your Decision

Plan B: What if I Don’t Get In?

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Part II: The Subfields of Psychology

Chapter Eight : Careers in Research

Introduction

Defining the Subfields

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Research-Related Areas with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings by Topic Area

Resources by Topic Area

References

Chapter Nine : Careers in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Introduction

Defining the Subfield

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Areas Related to I/O Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Ten : Careers in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology

Introduction

Defining the Subfields

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Areas Related to Clinical or Counseling Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings by Topic Area

Resources

References

Chapter Eleven: Careers in Educational and School Psychology

Introduction

Defining the Subfields

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Areas Related to Educational and School Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings by Topic Area

Resources

References

Chapter Twelve: Careers in Exercise and Sport Psychology

Exercise and Sport Psychology Defined

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Areas Related to Exercise and Sport Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Thirteen: Careers in Health Psychology

Health Psychology Defined

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Areas Related to Health Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Fourteen: Careers in Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology Defined

The Work

Training and Preparation

Working in Areas Related to Neuropsychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Fifteen: Careers in Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology Defined

Contributions to the Discipline of Psychology

Core Activities of the Forensic Psychologist

Training Required to be a Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychology Training Programs

Preparing for Graduate Training in Forensic Psychology

Employment in the Forensic Psychology Subfield

Working in Areas Related to Forensic Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Sixteen: Careers in Academe

Academe Defined

Employment Settings

Professorial Activities

Working Conditions

Educational Degree and Training Needed

Rank

Salaries

Finding Employment

You Don’t Just Get to Stay!

Working in the Teaching Area with a Bachelor’s Degree

Suggested Exercises

Suggested Readings

Resources

References

Chapter Seventeen: Assessing the Career Outlook for the Psychology Major

Introduction

Psychology’s Strengths

Psychology’s Weaknesses

Psychology’s Threats

Psychology’s Opportunities

Conclusion

References

Index

End User License Agreement

List of Tables

Chapter 04

Table 4.1 Change in Percentage of Workforce Employed in Careers between 2003 and 2013

Chapter 09

Table 9.1 Summary of Guidelines for Doctoral and Master’s Programs in I/O Psychology

Chapter 10

Table 10.1 General Comparisons between Psychotherapy and Counseling

Table 10.2 Differences in Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Chapter 11

Table 11.1 Employment Settings for Educational and School Psychologists

Chapter 15

Table 15.1 Activities Rating Means and Percentages for People Involved in Forensic Psychology Graduate Student Selection

Chapter 16

Table 16.1 Mean Salaries of Assistant Professors Based on Setting

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Begin Reading

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About the Authors

Jeffrey L. Helms

Dr. Helms is a Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University where he joined the faculty in 2003. Prior academic appointments included teaching not only at the undergraduate level but also at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. His research interests are predominantly in the areas of the scholarship of teaching and attitudes toward individuals who identify as bisexual. Currently, he holds licensure as a psychologist in Georgia and Hawaii and maintains a small private consulting practice. His clinical experience includes work in the community mental health arena, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and multiple forensic environments. He has previously practiced and taught in California and Kentucky. Dr. Helms is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Daniel T. Rogers

Dr. Rogers is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University where he joined the faculty in 2005. His research interests are in the areas of assessment and scale development pertaining to interpersonal functioning, student–teacher alliance, and teaching styles. Currently, he holds licensure as a psychologist in Georgia. He previously practiced and taught in Michigan. His clinical experience includes work across the age spectrum and across levels of impairment, with emphasis on psychological assessment and psychodynamic interventions. Dr. Rogers is a member of the American Psychological Association; the Division for Quantitative and Qualitative Methods; and the Society for Personality Assessment.

Majoring in Psychology

Achieving Your Educational and Career Goals

Second Edition

Jeffrey L. HelmsDaniel T. Rogers

This second edition first published 2015© 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Edition history: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (1e, 2011)

Registered OfficeJohn Wiley & Sons, Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK

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For details of our global editorial offices, for customer services, and for information about how to apply for permission to reuse the copyright material in this book please see our website at www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell.

The right of Jeffrey L. Helms and Daniel T. Rogers to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, without the prior permission of the publisher.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Helms, Jeffrey L.Majoring in psychology : achieving your educational and career goals / Jeffrey L. Helms and Daniel T. Rogers. – Second Edition.  pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index.

 ISBN 978-1-118-74102-3 (cloth) – ISBN 978-1-118-74103-0 (pbk.)1. Psychology–Vocational guidance. 2. Psychology–Study and teaching. I. Rogers, Daniel T. II. Title. BF76.H45 2015 150.71′1–dc23

    2014044022

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Cover image: © Gregor Schuster / Getty Images

List of Boxes

2.1

Reflecting on the Transition to College

2.2

Examples of Common Academic Problems in Adjusting to College

2.3

Techniques for Boosting Reading Comprehension

2.4

Sample Test-Wise Strategies

3.1

Examples of Advice Shared Among Fellow Psychology Majors

3.2

APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major

3.3

Steps for Organizing Literature Review Papers

3.4

Helpful Databases for Literature Searches in Psychology

3.5

Common Elements of Experience Outside the Classroom

4.1

Social Cognitive Career Theory Model

4.2

Self-Assessment of Life Interests and Preferences

4.3

Questions to Stimulate the Formation of Life Goals

4.4

Self-Assessment of Career Related Abilities

4.5

Questions to Stimulate the Formation of Career Goals

4.6

Self-Assessment of Academic Strengths and Weaknesses

4.7

Questions to Stimulate the Formation of Educational Goals

5.1

A Sample of Various Entry-Level Positions Possible with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

5.2

Top 10 Attributes Employers Search for in an Applicant’s Résumé

5.3

Job Skills that Employers Who Interview Psychology Majors Value

5.4

Job Search Resources and Where to Find Job Openings

5.5

Example Functional Résumé

5.6

Example Chronological Résumé

5.7

Example Cover Letter

5.8

Practice Interview Questions

5.9

Possible Questions to Ask a Potential Employer

5.10

Some Additional Interview Pointers

6.1

Skills Developed and Improved During Graduate School

6.2

Twenty Personal Qualities, Attitudes, and Behaviors Consistent with Graduate Training

6.3

The Benefits of Research Experience

6.4

Characteristics and Components of an Effective Mentor

6.5

Professional Organizations

6.6

Timeframe of Suggested Activities for Preparing for Graduate School

7.1

Timeline for Applying to Graduate School

7.2

Reasons to Pursue a Master’s Degree First

7.3

Potential Program Variables to Review

7.4

Example Vita

7.5

Four Kisses of Death for Your Personal Statement

7.6

Materials Included in a Packet for the Faculty Providing You with Letters of Recommendation

7.7

Checklist for Preparing the Application Packet for Submission – Making the Right Impression

7.8

Potential Questions for Graduate School Interviews

8.1

Questions Addressed by the Research of Experimental Psychologists

8.2

Questions Addressed by the Research of Developmental Psychologists

8.3

Questions Addressed by the Research of Social Psychologists

8.4

Questions Addressed by the Research of Cognitive Psychologists

8.5

Questions Addressed by the Research of Biopsychologists

9.1

Common Topics Addressed by I/O Psychologists

9.2

Recent Openings in the I/O Psychology Subfield

9.3

Journals that Publish I/O Psychology Research

9.4

Common Titles of Graduate Programs in I/O Related Areas

9.5

Recommended Undergraduate Coursework for I/O Psychology

10.1

Journals that Publish Clinical and Counseling Psychology Research

10.2

Recent Openings in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Subfields

10.3

Recommended Undergraduate Coursework for Clinical and Counseling Psychology

11.1

Recent Openings in the Educational and School Psychology Subfields

11.2

Journals that Publish Educational and School Psychology Research

11.3

Recommended Undergraduate Coursework for Educational and School Psychology

12.1

Journals that Publish Exercise and Sport Psychology Research

13.1

Journals that Publish Health Psychology Research

13.2

Recent Openings in the Health Psychology Subfield

14.1

Journals that Publish Neuropsychological Research

15.1

Top Journals That Publish Forensic Psychology Research

15.2

Top Programs in Forensic Psychology

15.3

Recent Forensic Psychology Position Openings

16.1

Top Tasks Associated with Being a Psychology Professor

16.2

Top 10 Physical and Social Factors that Influence the Nature of the Work for Psychology Professors

16.3

Websites that Post Academic Position Openings in Psychology

List of Tables

4.1

Change in Percentage of Workforce Employed in Careers between 2003 and 2013

9.1

Summary of Guidelines for Doctoral and Master’s Programs in I/O Psychology

10.1

General Comparisons between Psychotherapy and Counseling

10.2

Differences in Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology

11.1

Employment Settings for Educational and School Psychologists

15.1

Activities Rating Means and Percentages for People Involved in Forensic Psychology Graduate Student Selection

16.1

Mean Salaries of Assistant Professors Based on Setting

Preface

This book grew out of our experience teaching and working with psychology students on issues related to academic and career success. Whether in the classroom of our Careers in Psychology course, which addresses these topics, or in the midst of advising a student, we have developed a deep appreciation for how simultaneously exciting and overwhelming the process of pursuing academic and career goals can be. Students are passionate about discovering the options available to them and identifying their unique goals. Instructors relish the opportunity to guide students through this process and watch them succeed. However, students and instructors alike can at times feel lost given the range of complex issues involved in academic and career development. In fact, some of the most helpful information, strategies, and resources for meeting these goals go unused simply because students or their instructors are unaware of their existence. Our appreciation for this mixed experience from both the students’ and instructors’ perspectives led us to write this book.

This book provides to students interested in psychology, and the instructors who work with them, information that is vital to academic and career success in the field. As such, the book is an ideal text for courses that address aspects of majoring in psychology (e.g., academic strategies, career and graduate school preparation) and/or aspects of career planning (e.g., learning about the careers of psychologists in various subfields and their education and training). Even outside of the context of a college course, students of psychology who are seeking to clarify academic and career goals and develop knowledge and skills to support achieving these goals will find the book helpful.

There are other texts available that concentrate on one or two of the areas covered in this book, such as selecting a career, navigating your academic path, or preparing for graduate school. Many of these texts are excellent resources, and we encourage students and instructors to examine them according to interest and need. However, our goal was to bring these and other related topics together in one place. In doing so, we compile sound, research-based information and strategies on succeeding as a psychology major in college and beyond. We strive to communicate this information in an interesting and compelling way. We hope that the book answers questions about the major and its career paths while supporting the pursuit of academic and career goals.

This book is divided into two sections. Part I concentrates on student success in achieving general educational and career goals. In this section we examine such issues as the utility of a psychology degree, strategies for academic success, career decision making, and employment and graduate school preparation. In addition to content, the chapters offer suggested exercises, readings, and resources to enhance understanding of the issues at hand. Part II of the book concentrates on student success in achieving specific educational and career goals. In this section we examine the various career options within psychology and issues related to these careers. Each chapter addresses a major area within psychology and provides valuable information about the focus, training, and work of individuals with careers in these areas. The chapters also include information about relevant career options at both the graduate and bachelor’s levels. In addition to suggested exercises, readings, and resources, each chapter offers a glimpse into the careers and perspectives of two (inter)nationally recognized psychologists working in their respective subfield.

It is our belief that success as a psychology major cannot simply be defined as earning good grades, securing a job after graduation, or gaining acceptance into graduate school. Instead, success involves becoming a strong student who is well informed not only about the field but also about her or his relationship to it. As such, we hope that this book serves as a reliable and trustworthy guide for students curious about the field, and their place within it, and for instructors who are assisting them in their pursuits.

Acknowledgments

As with any undertaking of this size, many people contributed to its realization. Among these are the individuals at John Wiley & Sons Publishers and the reviewers of the manuscript at various points. The feedback provided throughout the process was invaluable. We thank Daniel Segrist for authoring the ancillaries, which make the book even better. We also thank the contributors to the Professional Spotlights and short topical articles included throughout the book. Their contributions bring the book to life. These individuals are:

Marie Balaban, Eastern Oregon UniversityChris Carr, St. Vincent Sports Performance CenterJohn Chan, QBE Insurance Group LimitedChristine Dunkel Schetter, University of California, Los AngelesRegan A. R. Gurung, University of Wisconsin, Green BayKate F. Hays, The Performing EdgeMatthew T. Huss, Creighton UniversityRussell E. Johnson, Michigan State UniversityKimberlyn Leary, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard UnivesityRebecca S. Martinez, Indiana UniversityLaura L. Mayhew, University of South FloridaRobert McGrath, Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityWilliam Pfohl, Western Kentucky UniversityCynthia L. Pickett, University of California, DavisAntonio E. Puente, University of North Carolina, WilmingtonMaria Teresa Schultheis, Drexel UniversityRandolph A. Smith, Moravian CollegeGina M. Vincent, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolJanie H. Wilson, Georgia Southern University

Lastly, we thank our students for their enthusiasm and curiosity about this wonderful field of study. In short, thank you all.

JLH: I would like to thank my coauthor for accepting my offer to work on the first edition to the book. Little did we know at the time that there would be a second edition. I could not have chosen a better collaborator. On a more personal note, I thank my family for their support throughout my education, career, and life. It is to them that I dedicate this work. Thank you for everything.

DTR: To my coauthor, thank you for planting the seeds for this project and inviting me to help bring it to fruition the first time and again for this revision. To my family, April and Noah, thank you for your tremendous support throughout this ongoing project, the ones before, and those yet to come.

About the Website

This book is accompanied by a companion website for instructors:

www.wiley.com\go\helms\majoringinpsychology

The website includes:

multiple-choice questions and answers (~50 for each chapter);

short answer and essay questions (~10 for each chapter); and

PowerPoint slides for each chapter.

Please note that the resources are password protected and can only be accessed by instructors who register with the site.

Part IMajoring in Psychology

Chapter OneWhy Major in Psychology?

Introduction

Psychology is a fascinating and diverse field of study. It attracts students with varied backgrounds, interests, and abilities, all of whom are hoping that psychology will be a good fit for them. In addition to simply pursuing topics that they find compelling, these students stand to benefit from devoting themselves to the study of such a broad field. Psychology’s breadth is what makes it possible for students to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills that are applicable to a variety of careers. In other words, psychology offers many different things to many different types of individuals. Although this is a strength of the field, it also can make it difficult to determine if psychology is the best fit for you. Consider for a moment three students, all undergraduates who have come to think that majoring in psychology is what is best for them.