Re: [tips] Relevance of science to psych work?

[Linda M. Woolf, Ph.D.]

Title: tag

Michael Smith wrote: I personally have no problem with psych students who want to be clinicians not being interested in the "science of psychology".   I always find it funny that the science types are sooo concerned that everyone should take science very seriously. Are the authors EQUALLY concerned about the state and training of the empirical psychologists' human empathy and social interaction skills? I bet not.   And if what the authors are saying is true, how come there arnt oodles of positions available for empirical psychologists? :)   Dear Colleagues, By way of an analogy, I'm not really concerned whether medical researchers have a great deal of empathy or social interaction skills. These are skills I do value in my doctor. Nonetheless, I very much want my physician/surgeon to be grounded in the science of medicine. I would similarly hope that medical students also care about science. Clinical work is more than social interaction and empathy. If that was all that was required, we would just need a few good friends. Clinical work should be grounded in empirically valid and culturally appropriate practice.  This represents many challenges, in part, as we are still learning so much particularly in relation to biological and multicultural influences. Nonetheless, the APA Ethics Code 2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments is quite clear--"Psychologists' work is based upon established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline." For students to not care about the science of psychology suggests that they do not understand psychology or the skills/knowledge needed related to clinical practice. In terms of science-related psychology positions, there are many positions within business, government, law, industry, NASA, etc. The Monitor has had several articles highlighting science careers outside of academia (e.g., see http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/04/careers.html and http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb01/careerpath.html ). The APA Science Directorate has an interesting page illustrating several career options - http://www.apa.org/science/nonacad_careers.html .  Best wishes, Linda -- Linda M. Woolf, Ph.D. Professor, Psychology and International Human Rights Past-President, Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, & Violence (Div. 48, APA) Webster University 470 East Lockwood St. Louis, MO  63119 Main Webpage:  http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/   wool...@webster.edu "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's (and woman's) best friend. . . . Inside a dog, it's too dark to read."                   -             Groucho Marx --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly (bsouthe...@frostburg.edu)