About Psychology

What Is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is also the profession that applies the accumulated knowledge of this science to practical problems.

What Do Psychologists Do?

Psychologists and their work can be classified into three general and often overlapping categories: (1) research psychology, (2) applied psychology, and (3) clinical/counselling psychology.

Research psychologists. These psychologists are scientists who use observation, experimentation, and statistics in order to understand, explain, and predict the experience and behaviour of human beings and animals. Some study psychological processes (e.g., sensation & perception, learning & memory, emotion & motivation, thinking & language), while others study topics such as child development, personality, social interactions, families, organizations, and communities.

Applied psychologists. Some psychologists’ work involves the application of psychological knowledge to solving problems and improving conditions in everyday life. Often these individuals are employed as consultants, working with schools to improve learning and behaviour, corporations to motivate employees and improve productivity, police forces to enhance investigation, or athletic organizations to improve athletes’ performance.

Clinical/counselling psychologists. These psychologists assess and treat complex mental and behavioural problems, with individuals, couples, families, and groups. They may also work at the community level to improve living conditions and promote mental health. Clinical and counselling psychologists are generally employed in hospitals, private or community clinics, schools, or correctional institutions. In comparison with psychiatrists, who are medical doctors with specialized training in the treatment of mental disorders, psychologists more often take a psychosocial view, using ‘talk’ and behaviour therapies to treat mental illness and general life difficulties. In most jurisdictions in Canada, registration as a professional psychologist requires a doctoral degree.

Last Modified: April 26, 2012