FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY
WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGY?
TO GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF HUMANS
A deeper understanding of the human mind can reduce its inclination towards self-destruction and harmful behaviours. The hiuman brain, shaped by evolution, exhibits traits that often lead to negative consequences, such as prejudice, jealousy, a tendency to distort reality, physical aggression, and a relentless pursuit of power and possessions.
ILLUMINATING THE WORKINGS OF THE BRAIN
Understanding the origins of the brain’s design sheds light on all human behaviours, making life less bewildering and frustrating. For example, obesity is likely rooted in our ancestral past. With this understanding, we might gain the ability to control these innate tendencies.
THE POWER OF EDUCATION
Education about the brain's workings has demonstrated its potential to effect change in many areas: education, eating behaviour and addiction are a few examples. . As the general public becomes more informed about how the human brain works, they be less likely to abuse it.
GENETICS AND BEHAVIOUR
While genetics still play a significant role, some individuals may remain predisposed to aggressive or harmful actions, understanding the mechanisms behind our behavioural programming offers the promise of preventing many tragedies, including addiction, violence, and prejudice.
UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN'S INTRICATE ARCHITECTURE
Grasping the intricate architecture of the brain helps make sense of even the most troubling aspects of human behaviour,
At the very least, this understanding can alleviate the condemnation people often feel for behaviours that are, in part, products of their evolutionary design
Q: WHAT IS A PSYCHOLOGIST
A: A psychologist is a person who holds a Doctorate of Psychology (Ph.D.).
Q: DO PSYCHOLOGISTS BELIEVE THE SAME THINGS?
A: No, they do not. Psychology is a massive discipline with many different areas of focus and sub-disciplines and many radically opposing perspectives. For these reasons, nobody can ever use the word psychologists as a collective noun because psychologists rarely agree on anything collectively.
Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT APPROACHES?
A: The major approaches in psychology
BIOLOGICAL APPROACH (INCORPORATING NEUROSCIENCE AND EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY):
Focuses on understanding behaviour through the lens of biology, including the nervous system, brain structure, and genetics. Examines how evolution has shaped human behaviour.
BEHAVIOURAL/LEARNING APPROACH:
Emphasises the role of learning in shaping behaviour. Focuses on observable behaviours and the impact of rewards, punishments, and conditioning on human actions.
SOCIAL LEARNING APPROACH:
Builds on the behavioural approach but includes the influence of observing and imitating the behaviours of others. Examines how social interactions and role models affect behaviour.
COGNITIVE APPROACH:
Investigates mental processes like thinking, memory, problem-solving, and perception. Explores how these processes influence behaviour and emotions.
PSYCHODYNAMIC AND PSYCHOANALYTIC APPROACH:
Developed by Sigmund Freud, this approach delves into the unconscious mind, unresolved conflicts, and early childhood experiences to understand behaviour. Focuses on the role of unconscious desires and motivations.
HUMANIST/POSITIVE APPROACH:
Promotes the idea of self-actualisation and personal growth. Focuses on human potential, free will, and the importance of positive experiences and self-esteem.
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY:
Studies show social interactions, group dynamics, and social influence impact behaviour, attitudes, and perceptions. Explores topics like conformity, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY:
Examines human development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age. Investigates how physical, cognitive, and emotional changes influence behaviour at different life stages.
These approaches provide diverse perspectives for understanding and explaining human behaviour and mental processes within the field of psychology.
Q: CAN PSYCHOLOGISTS READ PEOPLE'S MINDS?
A: No, they cannot.
Q: DO PSYCHOLOGISTS TREAT PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR?
A: Some do, and some don't. For example, a social psychologist studies how ordinary people think and behave in social situations. Often it is just normal individuals in an everyday situation, such as in a workgroup, at a party, or with a date.
Q: WHAT ABOUT THOSE PSYCHOLOGISTS WHO TREAT PEOPLE WITH EMOTIONAL DISORDERS OR PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS?
A: They are called clinical psychologists. To be a practising clinical psychologist, you need a doctoral degree plus proper licensing.
Q: ARE THERE ALSO PSYCHIATRISTS?
A: Yes, psychiatrists also treat the mentally ill, but they are not psychologists; they are medical doctors (M.D.). Like your family doctor, they obtained their MD by attending medical college, instead of university. The difference is that after medical college, they have done a three-year residency in psychiatry, where they learned to diagnose and treat mental illness, often by using medicine. Psychologists would use different forms of therapy to treat a psychiatric illness.
Q: HOW ABOUT PEOPLE WITH MASTER'S DEGREES IN PSYCHOLOGY? CAN THEY BE CALLED PSYCHOLOGISTS?
A: The title "Psychologists" is usually reserved for individuals with doctoral degrees. People with master’s degrees in clinical or psychotherapy psychology can become "counsellors" and "psychotherapists."
Q: TELL ME AGAIN, WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?
A: Most of them do one or a combination of the following three: academic research, teaching, and treating patients. But given the sheer number of the sub-fields psychologists can specialize in, you can expect to find a few psychologists everywhere you look: sports, criminal justice, the police force and forensics, marketing, and advertising, business management, public opinion surveying, teaching and education, social work, policymaking, zoos and animal training, hostage negotiation... The list goes on.
Q: WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED FOR A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY?
A: Analytical Skills: A-level psychology involves analyzing complex psychological theories, research studies, and case studies. You should be able to critically evaluate information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions.
Research Skills: Understanding research methods and applying them is essential. You'll need to interpret research findings, evaluate the validity of studies, and conduct your research experiments.
Memory and Recall: Psychology often involves memorizing key terms, theories, and concepts. Developing memory techniques and effective recall strategies can be very beneficial.
Critical Thinking: Psychology requires a high level of critical thinking. You'll need to question assumptions, consider alternative explanations, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of different theories.
Essay Writing: A-level psychology involves essay writing, and you should be proficient in structuring essays, developing arguments, and using appropriate academic language.
Numeracy Skills: While not as math-intensive as some other subjects, psychology does involve statistical analysis. You should be comfortable with basic statistical concepts and data interpretation.
Communication Skills: You'll need to communicate your ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally. Effective communication is crucial for essays, presentations, and discussions.
Empathy and Understanding: Psychology often deals with human behaviour and emotions. Having empathy and an understanding of the perspectives of others can be helpful in discussions and case studies.
Time Management: As with any A-level subject, effective time management is essential. Psychology coursework can be demanding, so staying organized and meeting deadlines is crucial.
Curiosity and Interest: Psychology is a subject that benefits from a genuine interest in understanding human behaviour. Being curious and motivated to explore psychological concepts can make your studies more enjoyable and successful.
Remember that these skills can be developed and improved over time with practice and dedication. Additionally, having a passion for the subject and a genuine interest in psychology can greatly enhance your success as an A-level psychology student.
Q: WHY ARE RESEARCH METHODS SO IMPORTANT IN PSYCHOLOGY?
A: To read about research with understanding (and get a good A-level in psychology!), you need to understand the research process – and so you need to study research methods. You must be able to differentiate good research from bad research (or more likely, good research from OK research or speculation). In recent years, psychologists have reported an abundance of findings on race biases, brain imaging, and even extrasensory perception that have not stood up to scrutiny.
Q: THE MEDIA HAVE LABELLED PSYCHOLOGY AS A “SOFT SUBJECT.” IS PSYCHOLOGY ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING?
Contrary to popular belief, psychology is not necessarily an easier option academically. The Centre at Durham University (CEM) monitors relative achievements in different A-levels. Psychology has been rated as about as difficult as Biology and History but not as difficult as Physics and Chemistry.
Q” WHAT EXAMINATION BOARDS OFFER A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY?
A: Here are the links to the A-level psychology specifications from the major examination boards in a more concise format:
AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance):
OCR (Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA Examinations):
WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) / Eduqas:
WJEC Eduqas A-level Psychology
Pearson Edexcel:
Q: WHAT COMPANION SUBJECTS COMPLEMENT PSYCHOLOGY AT A-LEVEL?
A: Here are some A-level subjects that work well with psychology and why:
BIOLOGY: Biology complements psychology by providing insights into the biological basis of behaviour, including topics like neurobiology, genetics, and the physiology of the brain. Understanding the biological underpinnings of psychology is crucial in fields like neuropsychology and behavioural genetics.
MATHEMATICS: Mathematics is valuable for statistics and research methods in psychology. A strong foundation in maths enables you to analyze data effectively, design experiments, and conduct statistical analyses, which are essential skills for psychological research.
SOCIOLOGY: Sociology explores social structures, institutions, and interactions, which can provide valuable context for understanding human behaviour. It complements psychology by examining how society influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and actions.
CHEMISTRY: While not as directly related to psychology as biology, chemistry can be beneficial for understanding the biochemical processes in the brain and body that affect behaviour. It's especially relevant if you plan to study topics like psychopharmacology.
PHILOSOPHY: Philosophy encourages critical thinking and reasoning skills, which are essential in psychology. It can help you explore the philosophical foundations of psychology, ethical considerations in research, and the nature of consciousness and free will.
ENGLISH LITERATURE: English literature can enhance your communication and analytical skills, which are valuable in psychology. It also helps you explore complex narratives and themes related to human behaviour, making it relevant for courses that analyse literature from a psychological perspective.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE: English Language A-level delves into the intricacies of language, including its structure, grammar, semantics, and sociolinguistics. It also explores how language is used in various contexts, including written and spoken communication. Studying English Language alongside psychology can be particularly beneficial in understanding the relationship between language, cognition, language development, and communication patterns in different cultures.
PHYSICS: While less common, physics can be useful if you're interested in the intersection of psychology and technology, such as human-computer interaction or cognitive neuroscience. Physics principles are relevant in understanding the mechanics of sensory perception and brain imaging techniques.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE): PE can provide insights into the physiological and biomechanical aspects of human movement and performance. This knowledge can be applied to sports psychology or areas related to health and physical activity.
GEOGRAPHY: Geography can be beneficial for understanding environmental influences on behaviour and the social aspects of geography, such as urban planning and social geography. It's relevant if you're interested in environmental psychology or urban psychology.
CRIMINOLOGY DIPLOMA: A criminology diploma aligns closely with psychology, especially in areas related to criminal behaviour and forensic psychology. It offers insights into the causes of criminality, the criminal justice system, and the psychology of criminals. This knowledge can be valuable if you're interested in pursuing careers in forensic psychology or working in the criminal justice field.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DIPLOMA: This diploma complements psychology by focusing on the healthcare sector, social services, and the well-being of individuals and communities. It provides a foundation for understanding the social determinants of health, healthcare systems, and the psychological aspects of healthcare delivery. It's relevant if you aspire to work in health psychology or healthcare-related fields.
ART: Art can be a unique and creative companion subject for psychology. It encourages self-expression, fosters creativity, and can serve as a means of exploring psychological concepts through visual or artistic projects. Art can be particularly beneficial if you're interested in art therapy, which combines psychology and creative expression to support individuals' mental health and well-being.
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STUDIES: Economics and Business Studies cover various topics related to human decision-making, resource allocation, organizational behaviour, and market dynamics. They also include aspects of consumer behaviour, market research, and organizational psychology. Understanding how economics and businesses operate and how they interact with consumers and employees can provide valuable insights into the practical applications of psychology in the business world. This knowledge is particularly relevant if you're interested in industrial-organisational psychology or careers in business management.
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY?
A: Psychology enjoys well-deserved popularity as a subject of study, both at advanced and undergraduate levels. However, this popularity comes with certain challenges, along with numerous advantages. Firstly, the level of competition has surged, particularly for prestigious universities like UCL and Oxbridge, where A* grades are highly sought after. Even other reputable institutions within the Russell Group often require A* grades or A grades for admission. It's important not to be discouraged, though; many excellent universities accept students with slightly lower grades, albeit in a competitive environment.
Secondly, some Russell Group universities mandate the inclusion of another science subject at the A-level for enrollment in their psychology courses. While chemistry is often preferred, mathematics, biology, and physics are also suitable alternatives.
If you find yourself amid your A-level studies without a science subject, don't let that deter you. Emphasise the relevance of your chosen subjects and how they contribute to your psychology journey.
Thirdly, consider pursuing a psychology degree recognised by the British Psychology Society (BPS).
In my opinion, the most accomplished psychologists possess a comprehensive understanding of various psychological approaches, treatments, and methodologies. This breadth of knowledge allows them to grasp the multifaceted nature of human behaviour. Should you aspire to delve into areas like criminology, social psychology, or clinical psychology, you may want to explore master's level programs.
Lastly, before committing to a psychology degree at the undergraduate level, reflect on your long-term goals. Are you prepared to pursue advanced studies, such as a Master of Arts (M.A.) or PhD, or specialised training in fields like occupational psychology, forensic psychology, or clinical psychology? If your ambition is solely to attain a B.A. or BSc and secure a graduate job upon completion, it might be prudent to consider alternative degree programs. It's worth noting that the popularity of psychology degrees has led some employers to undervalue candidates with undergraduate psychology qualifications. While I find this perspective short-sighted, research indicates that candidates with conventional academic backgrounds often receive more favourable consideration from employers.
Again, don’t be put off, just be aware! Psychology candidates do get work; they might have to try harder to sell their degrees.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE COURSES IN PSYCHOLOGY
A-Level Psychology (for undergraduate psychology programs):
Most universities require A-levels or equivalent qualifications for admission.
Typically, you'll need A-levels in subjects relevant to your chosen course. For psychology, A-level Psychology is often preferred but not always required.
The entry requirements in terms of grades can vary, but they often range from BBB to AAB or higher for top-ranked universities
WHAT ARE THE BEST UNIVERSITIES FOR PSYCHOLOGY IN THE UK?
University of Oxford:
Offers a prestigious psychology program with a strong research focus and excellent faculty.
University of Cambridge:
Known for its rigorous psychology courses and research opportunities.
University College London (UCL):
UCL is consistently ranked among the top universities for psychology and offers a wide range of psychology-related programs.
University of Edinburgh:
Known for its strong psychology department and research excellence.
University of Glasgow:
Offers a variety of psychology programs and has a strong research community.
University of Manchester:
Known for its research-led psychology programs and excellent facilities.
University of York:
Offers a diverse range of psychology courses and strongly focuses on research.
University of Warwick:
Known for its innovative psychology programs and research initiatives.
University of Bristol:
Offers high-quality psychology courses and has a reputation for research excellence.
University of St Andrews:
Known for its small class sizes and strong emphasis on research-led teaching.
WHAT ARE THE BEST UNIVERSITIES FOR NEUROSCIENCE IN THE UK:
University of Cambridge:
Cambridge consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. It offers strong programs in both neuroscience and psychology.
University of Oxford:
Oxford is another prestigious institution with renowned departments in both neuroscience and psychology.
University College London (UCL):
UCL is known for its world-class research and programs in neuroscience and psychology.
Imperial College London:
Imperial College offers excellent programs and research opportunities in both neuroscience and psychology.
University of Edinburgh:
Edinburgh is a top-ranked university with a strong presence in neuroscience and psychology.
University of Manchester:
Manchester's School of Biological Sciences and School of Psychological Sciences excel in both fields.
University of Bristol:
Bristol offers high-quality programs in neuroscience and psychology within its School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.
University of Glasgow:
Glasgow has a notable reputation for research and programs in both cognitive and clinical neuroscience.
King's College London:
King's College offers comprehensive programs in neuroscience and psychology, focusing on research.
University of York:
York provides opportunities for neuroscience and psychology studies through its Department of Psychology.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF JOB WORKS WELL WITH A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE?
OCCUPATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST: Occupational psychologists apply psychological principles to workplaces, helping organisations improve employee well-being, performance, and productivity.
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST: Educational psychologists work in educational settings to support students' learning and development, addressing issues such as learning disabilities and behavioural problems.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST / CRIMINOLOGIST: These professionals apply psychology to the criminal justice system, assisting in criminal profiling, rehabilitation, and understanding criminal behaviour.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat various mental health disorders, providing therapy and counselling to individuals and groups.
CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST: Child psychologists specialise in working with children and adolescents, addressing developmental, behavioural, and emotional issues.
SOCIOLOGIST: While not strictly a psychologist, sociologists study human society and behaviour, often overlapping with psychological research in areas like social psychology.
POLICEWORK: Psychologists in policing roles assist law enforcement agencies in areas such as criminal investigations, hostage negotiation, and crisis intervention.
PRIMARY TEACHING: Primary school teachers with a background in psychology can use their knowledge to better understand and support their students' needs.
PSYCHOLOGY LECTURER: Psychology lecturers teach and conduct research at universities and colleges, sharing their expertise with students.
RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGISTS: Researchers in psychology explore various aspects of human behaviour and cognition, contributing to advancing knowledge in the field.
THERAPY (e.g., CBT, Art, Music, Psychoanalytic): Therapists apply specific psychological approaches like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), art therapy, music therapy, and psychoanalysis to help individuals with mental health issues.
ADDICTION: Professionals in this field focus on treating addiction-related problems, including substance abuse and behavioural addictions.
ADVERTISING: Psychologists in advertising use their understanding of consumer behaviour and motivation to create effective marketing campaigns.
BEHAVIOURAL ECONOMICS: Behavioural economists study how psychological factors influence economic decision-making, often working in academia or for government agencies.
RECRUITMENT: Psychologists in recruitment assess candidates' suitability for jobs, often using psychological assessments and interviews.
MARKETING: Marketing professionals with a psychology background apply consumer psychology principles to understand consumer preferences and behaviours.
ANIMAL TRAINING: Animal trainers use principles of animal psychology to train and manage the behaviour of animals, often working in zoos, aquariums, or with pets.
PUBLIC OPINION: Psychologists studying public opinion research and polling assess public attitudes and preferences, often in political or market research contexts.
SOCIAL WORKER: Psychology is valuable for social work because it enhances understanding of human behaviour, equips individuals with essential assessment and communication skills, and fosters empathy and conflict resolution abilities, all of which are vital in the field of social work
HUMAN RESOURCES (HR): Psychology is beneficial for a career in Human Resources (HR) as it provides a deep understanding of human behaviour, motivation, and interpersonal dynamics. HR professionals use this knowledge to manage employees effectively, resolve conflicts, and create a positive work environment.
ART THERAPIST: Psychology is beneficial for a career in art therapy as it provides a foundation for understanding human behaviour and mental processes. This knowledge is crucial for art therapists who work with individuals to address psychological challenges and promote well-being through creative expression. Psychology also helps art therapists understand the emotional and cognitive aspects of their clients' art, facilitating effective therapeutic interventions.
IN CONCLUSION
If students are not put off by writing lots of essays, understanding the statistics behind the research, and reading an incredible amount of information, then this may be the perfect subject for them. More importantly, they’ll get to understand some outstanding stuff. The second problem with psychology’s status as a science is its inability to conduct robust research. For example, how can a psychologist control the almost infinite combination of circumstances and influences that make a human an individual?