Psychologists study the behavior of people and animals in an effort to understand, compare, and explain why they act and respond in certain ways. They collect and apply knowledge related to the mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of individuals and groups.

Areas of Specialization
Psychologists may specialize in numerous areas, including clinical, counseling, experimental, developmental, personality, educational, physiological, school, social, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Work Environment
Psychologists may work alone, with social workers, with other psychologists, or with psychiatrists or other physicians. They may also work with parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and others. Employment settings include college classrooms, hospitals, correctional institutions, clinics, private offices, schools, businesses, and government agencies. Approximately 25 percent of psychologists are self employed, which is four times higher than the average for other professional occupations.