Some students are pupils descendant from the minds of Florence Nightingale, John Locke, to Pablo Picasso or even John Dewey. But there is that population of students who fan-girl at the mentions of Sigmund Freud, no matter how ludicrous some of his ideas are, Ivan Pavlov, and Carl Rogers. For your fellow Psychology Majors, there some aspects about them that just give them away.
1. You Get Asked To Analyze People
Whether they are you relative, friends, or random acquaintance it is commonplace for them to ask you if you are able to analyze them or if you are actively analyzing them. Usually, these questions arise as soon as you spill the details of your major. As psychology majors we find humor in this question and typically reply with a, "No" or a, "Not yet".
2. You Get Asked To Fulfill The Role Of Someone's Therapist
Yes, of course we will be there for our loved ones. Yes, of course we will practice good communication skills and act as a supporter for them but we cannot fulfill the role of a therapist for our loved ones as that creates a conflict of interest. In the end, we will love and support those closest to us without that name attached. It is also important to know that not all Psychology Majors are destined to be therapists. Some will become Industrial/Organizational, researchers, developmental, etc. The possibilities are endless.
3. You Get Asked What You're Going To Do With Your Degree
Yes we know our future is not too bright if we just hit the real world with only a bachelor's up our sleeve. Some folks believe that Psychology Majors really do not have a future. Some folks laugh at our major. But we all know that in a typical six years time we will all be set to go. Graduation in four years works and is exciting for some, but we all know we have to go back to school to earn our master's, Ph.D, or Psy. D.
4. P < 0.5 Becomes Your Everything
Statistics, statistics, and even more statistics. It is does not come down to the odds usually . . . it comes down to if we reject Ho or H1 and let me tell you that is just tons of fun. From the time a statistics course is taken up until graduation, the importance of a z-test, t-test, f-test, ANOVA, all become as natural as writing our name. In order to conduct research, it is imperative for Psychology Majors to have this understanding. Don't be surprised to see them crying in a corner though cradling a statistics book. It's not our friend but we have to learn to become it.
5. The Nervous System Makes You Nervous
We feel your pain Nursing Majors, Biology Majors, and all other science majors. Studying anatomy and physiology is by no means fun. It is actually quite frightening. From lab practicals, dissections, and our favorite multiple choice exams, there is not one bit that does not make us twitch. By the end of these courses ask a Psychology Major about all the cranial nerves, lobes in the brain, or the function of acetycholine. Expect them to cower away in fear or recite it like a robot.
6. The Mention Of Freud, Maslow, Rogers, Etc Makes You Excited
How could they not get us pumped and excited? These are the father's of our field of study inspiring us with theories and principles we spend hours upon hours studying and implementing. Next time you're in an English class look over at your Psychology Major friend and see how their face lights up when the professor mentions the Oedipus Complex. Look in your philosophy class the next time Maslow's hierarchy of needs is mentioned or even look in an education class and see the need to know about Piaget. These figures are everywhere and excite Psychology Majors at their mention.
7. People Tell You Your Major Is Easy
Not quite. It may seem that way to some. Others may say psychology is not a real science, but it is. Because psychology is a real science it is challenging. We have to implement statistical testing in a lab setting, memorize anatomical concepts, and implement theories into practice. Much of our ideas and concept stem from constant research and without it what would the field be? Let's just agree that no major is easier than another because that's a fact.
8. The DSM-5 Is Your Best Friend
This is the ultimate guide for a Psychology Major. Behind the intimidating nature of the cover lies the descriptions and details to reveal aspects of disorders, treatments, and everything in-between. Without this, a Psychology Major would not be able to function and do their job.
9. Everyone Comes To You For APA Style
See high school made everyone think that MLA Format was the king of all formatting styles. All those teachers said forget about Chicago or APA. But once you get to college every professor is like, "Don't forget to cite this in APA style". And so, a panic ensues. Psychology Majors live by APA because well it is the American Psychological Association. When other friends are writing a paper in APA, don't be surprised to see them jump to their Psych Major friend for help. But remember, we too are just getting the hang of it . . .
10. You Love What You Study And What You Will Do.
Despite the work, humor, and all else in-between you look back at the end of the day and know you are happy with what you're studying. As a professor once said, "It will all be worth it in the end". At that point, graduate school is no longer intimidating because you know that your goals will be achieved and you will be following your passions in no time.
