Overview of Research and Experimental Psychology

Research and Experimental Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the study of basic psychological processes such as learning, memory, emotions, cognition, and perception. It also involves studying human behavior from an experimental and research perspective. Research and Experimental Psychology seek to improve understanding of how humans think, act, and feel.

Career Opportunities Associated with Research and Experimental Psychology

Research and Experimental Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, research laboratories, private practices, and government agencies. Possible job titles might include health psychologist, research psychologist, experimental psychologist, clinical psychologist, and developmental psychologist. Job duties might include collecting data, analyzing data, writing reports, running experiments and surveys, consulting with clients, analyzing test results, and teaching courses.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Research and Experimental Psychology

Many universities and colleges offer Internship and/or co-op opportunities related to Research and Experimental Psychology. For example, students might be eligible for internships where they gain hands-on experience conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting research findings. Such experiences can be obtained both during the school year and during the summer, and offer valuable insight and knowledge into the field.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Research and Experimental Psychology

Most colleges and universities offer different specializations for research and experimental psychology, including clinical and health psychology, child and adolescent psychology, experimental psychology, and cognitive psychology. Depending on the school and the program, students may be able to focus on one or more of these specialties.

How Research and Experimental Psychology Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Course work in Research and Experimental Psychology helps develop knowledge and skills relevant to graduate school or further education. Students learn about research methods, statistics, and ethical standards related to working with human subjects. They can acquire research experience, and gain insight into ethical issues and research theories. They also are prepared to develop an understanding of psychological concepts and theories of counseling and psychological assessment.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Research and Experimental Psychology

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many facets of Research and Experimental Psychology. AI has provided new ways to analyze, visualize, and simulate data. It also has enhanced the accuracy and speed of conducting experiments. Additionally, AI techniques offer the possibility of more sophisticated psychological evaluation and the ability to create individualized treatment plans.

The Career Outlook for Research and Experimental Psychology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the Research and Experimental Psychology field is projected to grow 4% from 2018 to 2028, each year slower than the average for all occupations. Still, a growing population and advances in technology continue to help the research and experimental psychology field to remain in demand. With a degree from an accredited college or university, many research and experimental psychology professionals can look forward to job security in the years to come.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Research and Experimental Psychology:

Harvard University, Salary: $53,927

Princeton University, Salary: $45,198

Hamilton College, Salary: $44,978

Columbia University in the City of New York, Salary: $41,906

Amherst College, Salary: $41,688

Brandeis University, Salary: $40,643

University of Chicago, Salary: $40,175

Barnard College, Salary: $39,384

Trinity Washington University, Salary: $37,867

Brown University, Salary: $37,636

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Research and Experimental Psychology.