Psychologist, Experimental

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Work Tasks

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGISTS measure and study behavioral patterns of people and animals, generally in laboratory situations. Experimental psychologists plan, design, conduct, and analyze results of experiments to study problems in psychology. They formulate hypotheses and experimental designs to investigate problems of sensory and perception, motivation, thinking, attention, learning and memory, personality, and cognitive processes. Experimental psychologists analyze test results, using statistical techniques, and evaluate the significance of the data in relation to original hypothesis.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $86,500 average per year ($41.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (1,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.6% per year)

Entry Requirements

A Ph.D. is required for employment as an EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST. A doctoral degree usually requires five to seven years of graduate study. Courses in quantitative research methods, which include the use of computer-based analysis, are an integral part of graduate study. All states require psychologists in independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care to be licensed or certified. Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position. A doctorate in psychology, completion of an approved internship, and the passing of an examination are usually required.