Department of Psychology

Careers in Research Psychology

When people think of psychology, they immediately tend to bring to mind the area of clinical psychology and other applied professions; psychology as a science is less often considered. In actuality, the ability to effectively serve people greatly depends on acquiring knowledge through psychological research.

Applied vs. Basic Research

Psychological research can be divided into two broad categories: Applied and Basic Research. Basic research is generally conducted in very controlled settings, and is concerned with the fundamental actions and thoughts of individuals. Applied research generally focuses on gaining knowledge that has real-world implications. Much applied research involves evaluating the outcomes of varied interventions. Both basic and applied research studies are important to our society, and function as both a product of previous research and a foundation for future directions.

Education Requirements

Career opportunities in research psychology typically require a master’s or doctorate degree (see: Grad School Prep). Researchers work mostly within higher education in psychology departments, as well as medical and business schools. There also are researchers employed in various government, non-profit, and private-sector positions. Some researchers who are influential in their fields also supplement their work through consulting services, editorial positions, and authoring books. As an undergraduate, you can explore research through assistantship opportunities working with faculty, and you may even be able to present research findings at local or national conferences that you have either developed or assisted.

At Rutgers-Camden, psychology major requirements Method and Theory in Psychology (50:830:215), Statistics for Social Sciences (50:830:225) and Experimental Psychology (50:830:380/381) are excellent foundational courses for understanding and exploring the field of psychological research. For especially strong undergraduate students, an option exists to take courses at the graduate level. Contact the graduate director for more information about this possibility.

Salary and Work Characteristics

Salaries and work characteristics of research psychologists vary based on a number of factors, including: employment setting, field of study, tenure status, reputation, and grant availability. The 2011 APA Member survey revealed that 34.3% of full-time working members participated in research activities, while only 11.5% considered it their “primary” work activity (APA, 2012).     According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers and researchers of psychology in higher education have a mean annual salary of $74,240. Salaries range from roughly $35,000 to $119,000, depending on experience and tenure status. More detailed information is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another resource for searching jobs and obtaining advice on working in higher education is The Chronicle of Higher Education.

There are also personal benefits to working as a researcher, such as the ability to continually acquire understanding that ultimately may move psychological science forward, or the knowledge that you have either directly or indirectly improved the lives of others. There is also flexibility in the field of academia in regards to topics studied and an opportunity for directing one’s own work/life balance.

Qualities Conducive to Success as a Researcher

As with any profession, there are certain personal qualities that can predict greater success in the field of psychological research. An inquisitive nature is fundamental to research, as genuine curiosity will allow for more ease in developing research hypotheses and acts as a wonderful motivator. More developed abilities include strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which are instrumental in the ability to consider the validity and implications of research studies. Strong writing skills are also important, as your career will depend upon securing grant funding, publishing papers, and communicating your findings to others.

Areas of Research Focus

The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes 54 divisions within psychology, each of which is based upon research unique to that division. When considering the many areas of psychological research, keep in mind the multitude of sub disciplines that are at your disposal. Each of the different areas offers a different approach to psychological science, offering a vast array of research methods among different populations.

Below is an overview of a few popular areas of psychological research. Included are links to related APA divisions, the specialties of Rutgers-Camden Department of Psychology faculty, and courses to consider taking. If you are unsure of your interests, or curious about the state of the field, take time to explore publications from general psychology journals such as Psychological Bulletin and American Psychologist. Your Rutgers-Camden tuition includes access to scholarly articles through databases such as PsychInfo, Academic Search Premier, and Google Scholar which can be accessed through your Rutgers Portal. See the library website for assistance.

Abnormal Psychology/ Psychopathology

Researchers in the field of psychopathology aim to understand the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the development or persistence of clinical disorders and well as the outcomes of various interventions. Studies may be conducted in clinical settings through interviews or by the collection of practitioner notes. Areas of interest include the full range of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), as well as less common afflictions. Factors of influence such as comorbid illness and childhood experiences are studied in order to understand the unique experiences involved and outcomes of treatment.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Abnormal Psychology (50:830:340)
  • Introduction to Clinical Psychology (50:830:345)
  • Developmental Psychopathology (50:830:440)
  • Theories of Psychotherapy (50:830:441)

Experimental Psychology

Experimental Psychologists study the basic functions of the mind and brain.  Common topics examined include cognition, perception, memory, learning, language, and motor control. Methods of research are generally laboratory based, and range from simplistic observations of actions to the use of complex tools and measurements. Research in this field provides future directions for other areas such as educational and developmental psychology. Implications of this more basic form of research are far-reaching, and can be seen in healthcare interventions, teaching strategies, and the development of consumer products.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Cognitive Processes (50:830:360)
  • Learning and Memory (50:830:465)
  • Perception (50:830:467)

Consumer, Industrial/Organizational & Human Factors

Applied experimental and engineering psychologists aim to advance the principles and knowledge necessary to improve technology. Industrial and organizational psychology examines issues related to the workplace, including staffing issues and employee management.   This research results the development of energy systems, consumer products, and communication systems. Researchers also examine work settings, and issues facing transportation. Through this knowledge, the ways in which people work, play and spend are improved.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

Criminal/ Forensic Psychology

Criminal (or Forensic) psychology examines the causes and effects of criminal behavior, as well ways in which to assist law enforcement in preventing crime and  best serving the needs of offenders and victims. Research may include data analysis to reveal social and cultural trends or the efficacy of interventions and correctional methods. Controlled behavioral experiments for the prediction of criminal behavior, and clinical-style interviews to gain deeper understanding of the intrapersonal and social factors related to crime. Consulting services may include testimony in judicial proceedings or assessment of correctional facilities.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

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Courses to consider taking

  • Psychology and  the Law (50:830:316)
  • Social Psychology (50:830:335)
  • Courses in Criminal Justice, Pre-Law

Cultural/ Minority Psychology

Cultural psychologists examine the role of culture on influencing cognition, behavior, emotion, personal expression and social interactions. Research may be conducted through data analysis, behavioral experiments, self-report surveys, and interviews. Cultural or ethnic differences may be considered as a secondary hypothesis in studies primarily focused on other topics. Through comparisons between groups, both differences and similarities are revealed. This understanding can lead to more fulfilling interactions between groups as well as more effective public policy.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to Consider taking

  • Cultural Psychology (50:830:365)
  • Social Psychology (50:830:335)
  • The Psychology of Minority Groups (50:830:203)

Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychologists study how biological, psychological, and social factors change or remain stable across the lifespan. Much research is dedicated to children and adolescents, but we are learning that individuals continue to change across the lifespan into late adulthood. Research may take place in laboratory settings or in community settings such as schools.

 Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Psychology of Adolescence (50:830:326)
  • Psychology of Aging (50:830:328)
  • Psychology of Childhood (50:830:226)

Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists research teaching practice in all of the different levels of education. They focus on the concept of teaching, training for teaching positions, and issues associated with learning. With these subjects in mind, they seek to advance the theory and methodology used to understand these aspects of education. The implications of educational research influence the development and future curriculums and teaching strategies, as well as support services for learners with disability or impairment.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Educational Psychology (50:830:301)
  • Learning and Memory (50:830:465)
  • Psychology of Adolescence (50:830:326)
  • Psychology of Childhood (50:830:226)

Evaluation, Measurements & Statistics

Psychologists concerned with evaluation, measurements, and statistics work to improve and develop the methods of translating behavior, cognition, and other somewhat abstract concepts of human experiences into quantitative data. This work, often referred to as psychometrics, is essential in supporting the many focusses of research, and in the development of truly reliable means to assessing psychological functions.

Related APA Divisions

  • Division 5: Evaluation, Measurements & Statistics

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Statistics for Social Sciences 50:830:250
  • Method and Theory in Psychology 50:830:255
  • Psychological Tests and Measurements 50:830:355

Health Psychology

Health psychologists apply psychological principles to the study of health and illness.  Common topics examined include stress, coping, health behaviors, pain, disease management, health disparities, health communication, the health care system, and health policy. The findings of such research aim to promote healthier functioning for individuals and inform the healthcare system on developing more effective practices.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Health Psychology (50:830:348)
  • Physiological Psychology (50:830:475)
  • Psychology of Aging (50:830:328)
  • Psychology of Eating (50:830:434)

Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology

Neuroscientists and Comparative Psychologists are highly interested in the biology of behavior. Common topics examined include those similar to cognitive psychology such as perception, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, and memory. Those who go into behavioral neuroscience examine the brain in terms of behavior, exploring the evolution and function of the brain. They also examine brain abnormalities and its interaction with other bodily systems. Psychologists with a comparative focus study both humans and other animals, looking for contrasts and similarities that may give important information in regards to evolution and development.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

Courses to consider taking

  • Behavioral Pharmacology (50:830:471)
  • Perception (50:830:467)
  • Physiological Psychology (50:830:475)
  • Psychological Analysis of Animal Behavior (50:830:486)

Personality/ Social Psychology

Personality and social psychologists examine the relationship between individuals, their behaviors, and the situations they encounter. Trait theories of personality aim to provide clear descriptors of similarities and differences of individuals based on behavioral and thought patterns. Social psychologists may study any number of topics including emotion, attraction, and interpersonal interactions. Data in this field of psychology may come from self-report measures, observer reports, or behavioral observations. Implications of this research extend into many areas of society such as education, business, and public policy.

Related APA Divisions

Rutgers-Camden Researching Faculty

 Courses to consider taking

  • Psychology of Marriage and  the Family (50:830:206)
  • Psychology of Personality (50:830:231)
  • Social Psychology (50:830:335)