and Psychology Careers B- Appendix B Applied Psychology
Practice Quiz How much do you remember?
Pick the best answer.- The term ____ psychology refers to using findings from
psychological research to solve real-world problems.
a. applied c. pragmatic
b. practical d. academic - Which of the following types of psychologists might be most
interested in dealing with the work environment?
a. A vocational psychologist
b. A health psychologist
c. A psychiatric social worker
d. An industrial/organizational psychologist
3. Charlotte has designed a new type of gearshift to be used in
automobiles with an automatic transmission. Before she proposes it
to the major car manufacturers, she wants to make sure that it will
be more advantageous for people who drive such cars. With which
of the following types of psychologist would Charlotte most want to
consult about her design?
a. An environmental psychologist
b. An industrial/organizational psychologist
c. A human-factors psychologist
d. A machinery psychologist
Psychology as a Career
When most people think of psychology as a potential career, they assume certain things
about the profession: For example, to help people with their problems one has to be a
psychologist, all psychologists are doctors, and all psychologists counsel mentally ill
people. None of these assumptions are completely true.TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFESSIONALS
B.2 Describe different types of psychological professionals and identify their
educational background and training.
There are several types of professionals who work in psychology. These professionals
have different training with different focuses and may have different goals.
PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKERS A psychiatric social worker is trained in the area of social
work and usually possesses a master of social work (M.S.W.) degree and may be licensed
in the state in which he or she works as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). These
professionals focus more on the social conditions that can have an impact on mental dis-
orders, such as poverty, overcrowding, stress, and drug abuse. They may administer psy-
chotherapy (talking with clients about their problems) and often work in a clinical setting
where other types of psychological professionals are available.
PSYCHIATRISTS A psychiatrist has a medical doctorate (M.D. or D.O.) degree and is a
physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.
Like any other medical doctor who may specialize in emergency medicine, treating the
diseases of the elderly, treating infants and children, or any other special area of med-
icine, psychiatrists are able to write prescriptions and perform medical procedures on
their patients. They simply have special training in the diagnosis and treatment of dis-
orders that are considered to be mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, or
extreme anxiety. Because they are medical doctors, they tend to have a biopsychological
perspective on the causes of and treatments for such disorders.
PSYCHOLOGISTS A psychologist doesn’t have a medical degree but instead undergoes
intense academic training, learning about many different areas of psychology before
choosing an area in which to specialize. Psychologists typically have either a doctor
of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree. (People who hold a mas-
ter of science or M.S. degree are not usually called psychologists except in a few states.
They can be called therapists or counselors, or they may be teachers or researchers.)What’s the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D.?Z02_CICC7961_05_SE_APPB.indd 3 9/2/16 6:26 PM