Psychology: public perceptions and social roles

Researchers from the University of Western Australia are seeking volunteers to complete a short questionnaire regarding the public perception of psychology.

People may consider consulting a psychologist in regards to mental health, but how well informed do people feel about psychology?

Does the public feel that the distinctions between a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist and counselling psychologist are made clear enough?

Does the public feel that more information regarding what occurs in therapy should be disseminated?

How aware is the public of the broader psychological research that is conducted into areas outside the realm of clinical psychology?

Does the public wish psychologists who research broader psychological phenomena to become more engaged with society? If so, in what areas of society do you think psychologists can become more engaged?

How do you think psychologists should best engage with the public? Do you think any potential barriers exist?

Please complete the questionnaire and share your views on the issues raised in this forum as a commentator.

Shane Rogers is a psychology Phd student from the University of Western Australia. His research is in the area of communication with a research interest is the public perception of psychology, as he believes the public’s perception of psychology is important in determining to what extent psychologists and psychological research can adequately enagage with with the public.