University of New South Wales - School of Psychology

What do psychologists do?

Psychologists conduct the scientific and systematic study of the human mind and behaviour, in a wide variety of areas. Psychologists study people's thoughts, and emotions, and motivational processes that underlie behaviour; including people's actions, reactions and interactions with others. Psychology encompasses the study of cognitive, social, developmental, behavioural and physiological processes.

Psychologists employ a research-oriented approach in their practice, by formulating hypotheses, and testing hypotheses through the collection of data. Psychologists assist in improving people's functioning through the application of a wide set of skills and knowledge, in conjunction with scientifically established findings. Psychologists conduct assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems at an individual, group, organisational and community level.

Some of the functions that are performed by psychologists include:

Collecting and analysing data through controlled lab experiments, or through other methods such as observation, surveys, interviews, clinical studies and questionnaires.
Conducting academic and applied research
Counselling or interviewing clients
Designing and implementing programmes to modify and improve behaviour
Evaluating the efficacy of treatments or programmes
Administering a wide range of psychological tests that are designed to assess and predict cognitive and emotional functioning and performance (such as personality, intelligence, emotional states, needs, values, interests, skills and abilities)
Constructing tests and designing surveys
Assessing client needs, and implementing appropriate interventions
Assessment and treatment of psychological problems

Where do psychologists work?

Psychologists practice in several principal areas of specialisation.

Principal areas of psychology practice within NSW (1998)

(Source: 1998 Workforce Planning Survey (1999 not yet available); NSW Psychologists Registration Board)

In 1998 there were 4531 psychologists fully registered with the Psychologists Registration Board. Of these, 65.2% were female, and 34.8% were male.
The composition of principal areas of psychology practice for psychologists working in New South Wales, (1998) were as follows: