Psychologists

Description

Psychologists research, study and assess emotional, cognitive and behavioural processes and abnormalities in human beings and animals and how these are affected by genetic, physical and social factors.

Qualifications

Typical tasks

• develops and administers tests to measure intelligence, abilities, aptitudes, etc. and assesses results;
• develops treatment and guidance methods and gives treatment or guidance using a variety of therapy and counselling techniques;
• observes and experiments on humans and animals to measure mental and physical characteristics;
• analyses the effect of hereditary, social and physical factors on thought and behaviour;
• studies psychological factors in the treatment and prevention of mental illness or emotional and personality disorders;
• maintains required contacts with family members, education or other health professionals, as appropriate, and recommends possible solutions to problems presented;
• applies professional knowledge and techniques within the workplace, addressing issues such as job design, work groups, motivation etc.;
• applies psychological treatment methods to help athletes achieve optimum mental health and enhance sporting performance.

Common job titles