Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Why Choose Psychology As A Major

Why Choose Psychology As a Major?


According to the American Psychological Association, psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Since the founding of the field in 1879, it has provided insight into why people behave as they do. The need to understand human behavior and motivation has led to psychology's popularity as a major and field of study.


Career Opportunities


A degree in psychology opens the student to diverse career choices ranging from social worker to politician to CEO. With additional education, a psychology degree can lead to a career as a medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist or Ph.D.








Insight


A degree in psychology provides the learner with insight into human behavior and motivation. This knowledge helps to understand business, politics and entertainment.


Statistics


Psychology heavily uses statistics to understand human behavior across populations. A major in psychology exposes the student to the practical use of statistics, although math might not be one of his strengths.


Human Development


From infancy through adulthood, psychology can answer questions about mental development. For example, psychology has provided studies of the cognitive skills of infants at birth, six months and 1 year old.








Critical Thinking


Studying psychology teaches the student to question assumptions and conclusions. Critical thinking is pertinent to psychology and should be used whenever information is presented.


New Discoveries


Compared with the traditional fields of study such as biology and anthropology, psychology is a relatively new field. It is just more than 120 years old, and there are numerous discoveries yet to be made.

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