The Psychology Major's Handbook / Edition 2

by Tara L. Kuther

Overview

Kuther (psychology, Western Connecticut State U.) opens with a handy guide to the different schools within psychology and the differences among its various practitioners, and follows with practical advice about deciding on a major, developing tools for academic success, writing a literature review, writing an empirical paper, finding a job with a bachelor's degree, doing the same with a graduate degree, and applying to graduate school. Many of her observations apply to other majors as well, but Kuther is careful to keep psychology majors on track in terms of self-assessment (she includes journal exercises) and such important matters as the proper style guide to use in psychology and evolving attitudes and responses to the discipline itself. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780534533878
Publisher:	Cengage Learning
Publication date:	07/05/2005
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Tara L. Kuther is professor of developmental psychology at Western Connecticut State University, where she has taught courses in child, adolescent, and adult development for nearly three decades. Dr. Kuther earned her MA and Ph D in developmental psychology from Fordham University. She is a Fellow of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (American Psychological Association, Division 2), has served in various capacities in the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and the Society for Research on Adolescence, and is the former chair of the Teaching Committee for the Society for Research in Child Development. Dr Kuther is author of the award-winning Lifespan Development: Lives in Context as well as Lifespan Development in Context: A Topical Approach, Child and Adolescent Development in Context, and Adolescence in Context. Dr. Kuther is coauthor of Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World (with Robert Morgan). Her research interests include social cognition and risky activity in adolescence and adulthood.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1. What Is Psychology?
What Is Psychology?
Psychology’s Breadth
Myths About Psychology
Degrees in Psychology
Overview of The Psychology Major’s Handbook
Chapter 2. Choosing a Major: Is Psychology for You?
College Majors and Careers
How to Learn About Yourself
Choosing Psychology
Chapter 3. What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
Skills and Attributes Sought by Employers
Jobs for Psychology Majors
Learning About Careers
Match Your Training to Your Goals
Chapter 4. Take an Active Role in Your Education
Take an Active Role: Academic Advising
Get to Know Professors
Get Research Experience
Get Applied Experience
Get Involved in the Discipline
Chapter 5. Self-Management Skills
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Achievement
Time Management
Strategies for Efficiency
Chapter 6. Study Tips: Tools for Academic Success
Are You Prepared to Succeed?
Reading Tips: Improve Your Comprehension and Efficiency
Getting the Most Out of Class: Note-Taking Tips
Preparing for Exams
Test-Taking Tips
Chapter 7. Writing a Literature Review
What Is a Literature Review?
How to Select a Topic
Read and Record Your Research Material
Avoid Plagiarism
Write Your Paper
Chapter 8. Writing an Empirical Paper
APA Style: The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
Structure of the Empirical Paper
Chapter 9. Finding a Job With Your Bachelor’s Degree
Applying for Jobs
Social Media and Your Job Hunt
Prepare Your Résumé
Interview
The Job Offer
Chapter 10. What Can I Do With a Graduate Degree in Psychology?
Why Go to Graduate School?
Graduate Degrees
Graduate-Level Careers in Psychology
Chapter 11. Applying to Graduate School in Psychology
What Is Graduate School Like?
Should You Go to Graduate School?
Selecting Graduate Programs
The Application
What Do Graduate Admissions Committees Look For?
The Interview
Application Outcomes
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

"A brief, complete and very useful guide to successfully navigating the undergraduate psychology major and making decisions about further education and careers."


"Very approachable, comfortable text to read and use as a resource for three years of preparing for job and or graduate school during their undergraduate years. Answers questions for students they might not know to ask or might now ask until it is late in the process."

From the Publisher