Psychology's Main Subfields

A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.

• cognitive

• developmental

• educational

• experimental

Study human thinking, with a focus on such topics as perception, language, attention, problem-solving, memory, judgment and decision making, forgetting, and intelligence.

• cognitive

• developmental

• educational

• experimental

The study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning

• cognitive

• developmental

• educational

• experimental

Investigate a variety of basic behavioral processes in humans and other animals. Prominent areas of research include motivation, learning, perception, and language.

• cognitive

• developmental

• educational

• experimental

Study the math-related methods used to acquire psychological knowledge.

• psychometric and quantitative psychologists

• socal psychologists

• forensic psychologists

• experimental psychologists

Are interested in our interactions with others. How our beliefs, feelings, and behaviors are affected and influenced by others.

• Environmental Psychologists

• Health Psychologists

• Social Psychologists

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Study the interaction of individuals with their natural and built (urban) environments.

• Environmental Psychologists

• Health Psychologists

• Social Psychologists

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Researchers and practitioners concerned with psychology's contribution to promoting health and preventing disease.

• Environmental Psychologists

• Health Psychologists

• Social Psychologists

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Study the relationship between people and their working environments. May develop new ways to increase productivity, improve hiring and promote job satisfaction.

• Environmental Psychologists

• Health Psychologists

• Social Psychologists

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply psychological principles to legal issues. Conduct research on the interface of law and psychology.

• Experimental Psychologists

• Health Psychologists

• Forensic Psychologists

• Social Psychologists