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How to Become a Research Psychologist

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily Swaim is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, and Vox.

Why Become a Research Psychologist

What do research psychologists do, where do research psychologists work, research psychology careers.

What do you do if you love psychology but have no interest in working in mental health? Fortunately, psychology is a very diverse field, and there are plenty of opportunities. One that you might consider is becoming a research psychologist.

Consider the following question from a reader:

" I love psychology, which is why I'm currently working on my bachelor's degree in psychology. I don't want to work in mental health, so my ultimate plan is to become a researcher. While I know that this means I will probably need to go to graduate school, I'm not quite sure exactly where to begin. What type of psychology degree do I need if I want to work in research?"

At a Glance

What do you do if you love psychology but don't want to become a therapist or work in mental health? You might consider becoming a research psychologist. These professionals conduct research and may work in various settings, including universities, research labs, the military, government agencies, and private businesses.

This scenario is not at all uncommon in psychology. Many students love the subject, yet are not at all interested in working in mental health settings. Experimental fields are great options for people who are fascinated by psychology and enjoy performing research.

As a psychology student , you've probably already gotten a taste of just how diverse the field can be. This can be a great thing because it allows for so many different career paths and options, but it can also be confusing for students as they struggle to select an educational path.

Just like many other areas of psychology , becoming a research psychologist is not a "one size fits all" career. There are actually many different degrees that you could potentially pursue.

Start by taking into account what type of research you want to perform and what specific topics interest you the most.

In order to decide if this field is right for you, it is important to first understand exactly what these professionals do:

• Also known as experimental psychologists , research psychologists study a broad range of human and animal behavior.
• They design and conduct experiments exploring how people act, think, behave, interact, learn, feel, and perform under different conditions.
• They also design studies and evaluate research for flaws and bias.
• This can encompass an enormous range of topics, including memory , attention, cognition, decision-making, perception, and just about any psychological topic you can think of!

If you enjoy research and still want to work in mental health, there are also mental health professionals who perform research and conduct studies in clinical settings.

Educational backgrounds and requirements for experimental psychologists can vary depending upon where you want to work.

In most cases, you will start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. Some students may then choose to earn a master's, but many will go on to receive a doctorate degree.

Bachelor's Degree

Many students interested in becoming research psychologists begin with a bachelor's in psychology . However, some come from a background in a related area such as social work or even from an entirely unrelated degree area altogether.

Remember, it is possible to switch to psychology for graduate school , even if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated subject.

Master's Degree

In some cases, students might then choose to pursue a master's degree in experimental psychology. However, it is important to note that job opportunities are generally more limited with a master's degree, which is why many opt to instead go on to earn a doctorate degree in psychology .

Doctorate Degree

While you might think you are limited to earning a PhD in experimental psychology, there are actually many different options that you might opt to pursue.

For example, if you are interested in studying the human brain, you might earn a degree focused on neuropsychology. Have an active interest in social behavior? Then, you might want to consider a doctorate in social psychology .

How to Get Started

While you might not be exactly sure about what specialty you want to pursue, you can now do plenty of things to prepare for your future as a research psychologist . Start by taking as many undergraduate courses in research methods , statistics , and experimental design as possible.

Sign up for research opportunities through your school's psychology department and consider signing up as a research assistant. It's a great way to gain valuable experience while earning college credits.

As you can see, research is something that plays a significant role in virtually every field of psychology . Your goal now is to determine which particular specialty area interests you the most and exactly where you might want to work someday.

Research psychologists are employed in a wide range of sectors, including private research firms, universities, corporations, the military, and government agencies.

So what kind of jobs will you be able to get as a research psychologist? While there are many different options, a few that you might consider include:

College Professor

Many research psychologists work at colleges and universities, teaching undergraduate and graduate students and conducting research.

Research Analyst

A research analyst evaluates data that has been collected. This career involves performing statistical analyses and managing data to ensure it is collected, recorded, and analyzed properly.

Research Scientist

A research scientist conducted grant-funded research. They are often the lead investigators of a study and are responsible for hiring assistants, managing projects, designing experiments, writing journal articles, and sharing the results of their experiments.

If you enjoy research and aren't interested in working in the field of mental health, a career as a research psychologist might be a great choice for you. To enter this field, you should focus on earning an undergraduate degree in psychology before going to graduate school to get your doctorate. Taking coursework in statistics and research methodology can help, but you should also take advantage of any opportunity to participate in research.

Bishop DV. The psychology of experimental psychologists: Overcoming cognitive constraints to improve research: The 47th Sir Frederic Bartlett Lecture .  Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) . 2020;73(1):1-19. doi:10.1177/1747021819886519

Smith KV, Thew GR. Conducting research in clinical psychology practice: Barriers, facilitators, and recommendations .  Br J Clin Psychol . 2017;56(3):347-356. doi:10.1111/bjc.12142

Scholtz SE, de Klerk W, de Beer LT. The use of research methods in psychological research: A systematised review .  Front Res Metr Anal . 2020;5:1. doi:10.3389/frma.2020.00001

American Psychological Association.  Pursuing a Career in Experimental Psychology . Updated March 2014.

The Princeton Review.  Experimental Psychology .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Psychology Research Jobs – Research Psychologists & Psychology Research Assistants

Or browse all of our research job listings

What’s in this guide?

What is research psychology, what is a research psychologist, what is a psychology research assistant, where do they work, how to become a psychology research assistant, how to become a research psychologist, research psychology salaries.

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

Research psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through the use of research methods and empirical data. It involves investigating various aspects of human behavior, including cognition, perception, emotion, motivation, social behavior, personality, and psychopathology, among others.

The primary goal of research psychology is to increase our understanding of human behavior and mental processes, as well as to develop interventions and treatments to improve people’s lives. Research psychologists use a variety of research methods, including experiments, surveys, observational studies, and other techniques to gather data and test theories.

Research psychology has a wide range of applications, including the development of therapies for mental health disorders, the study of the effects of different environmental and social factors on behavior, and the design of interventions to improve cognitive and behavioral performance in various domains. It is an important field of study for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and mental processes.

Within this sphere there are, broadly speaking, two types of job available;  research psychologist  and  psychology research assistant.

A research psychologist specializes in the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. They are trained to design and conduct experiments, surveys, and other types of studies in order to collect data and test theories about human behavior.

To become a research psychologist, you need as a minimum a  master’s degree  and more typically a  doctoral degree in psychology . In addition to completing a doctoral degree, research psychologists may also need to obtain licensure or certification to practice in their state, particularly if they plan to work with clients or patients.

Here are the key areas of focus for a research psychologist:

• Designing and conducting research studies:  designing and implementing research studies to investigate various aspects of human behavior and mental processes. They may use a variety of research methods, such as experiments, surveys, or observational studies, to collect data and test theories.
• Analyzing data:  analyzing the data they collect to draw conclusions about human behavior and mental processes. They use statistical analysis and other techniques to identify patterns and relationships in the data.
• Reporting research findings:  communicating their research findings to other professionals in the field, as well as to the general public. They may write research articles for academic journals or present their findings at conferences or other events.
• Ethical considerations:  following ethical guidelines when conducting research, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort to participants.
• Collaborating with others:  collaborate with other professionals, such as clinicians, educators, and policymakers, to apply their research findings to real-world problems. They may work as part of a research team or as consultants to other professionals.

Here is what your daily schedule as a research psychologist might look like:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Check and respond to emails, review research literature relevant to current projects

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Design and plan an upcoming research study, review and analyze data from a previous study

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Meet with research team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and plan next steps

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct research participant interviews or experiments, record data

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Analyze research data, update research documentation and records

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Attend a departmental meeting or seminar to learn about the latest research findings in the field

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Write a research article for a peer-reviewed journal or work on a grant proposal

A psychology research assistant is someone who works under the supervision of a research psychologist to assist with research projects.

To become a research assistant, it can be helpful to have a  degree in psychology  or a related field, but it is not always a requirement. Some research assistant positions may only require a high school diploma or an  associate’s degree , while others may require a  bachelor’s  or even a  master’s degree .

Here are the key responsibilities of a psychology research assistant:

• Supporting research activities:  This may involve assisting with study design, data collection, data management, and data analysis.
• Recruiting participants:  recruiting study participants through various means such as online recruitment, telephone, or face-to-face contact.
• Conducting literature reviews:  assist in conducting literature reviews to help researchers identify existing research on a topic and inform their research questions.
• Administering surveys and assessments:  responsible for administering surveys and assessments to study participants, either in-person or online.
• Data entry and management:  responsible for entering data into a computer program, organizing data sets, or managing research databases.
• Assisting with ethical considerations:  assist in ensuring ethical considerations are met during the research process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort to participants.
• Supporting research dissemination:  assist in disseminating research findings through academic publications, presentations, or other means.

Here is an example daily schedule of a psychology research assistant:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Check and respond to emails, review literature relevant to current projects

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Assist with recruitment efforts, such as posting flyers or sending emails to potential study participants

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Conduct participant interviews or administer surveys, record data

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Manage research databases

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct literature reviews to help researchers identify existing research on a topic and inform their research questions

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Meet with research team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and plan next steps

• Universities and research institutions:  Many research psychologists also teach psychology in addition to their research duties.
• Government agencies:  employed by government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct research related to public health or other government priorities.
• Private research firms:  Some research psychologists and research assistants may work for private research firms that conduct research on behalf of clients, such as pharmaceutical companies or marketing firms.
• Non-profit organizations:  Research psychologists and research assistants may also be employed by non-profit organizations that conduct research related to social or environmental issues.
• Hospitals and clinics:  Research psychologists and research assistants may also work in hospitals and clinics, conducting research related to mental health disorders or other health issues.
• Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent:  Most research assistant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field:  While not always required, having a  bachelor’s degree in psychology  or a related field can be beneficial for securing a research assistant position. This can provide you with a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, and psychology.
• Gain relevant experience:  Many research assistant positions require previous research experience, which can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships while in college.
• Develop necessary skills and qualifications:  Research assistant positions require specific skills and qualifications, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical software, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Developing these skills through coursework or relevant work experience can help you to be a competitive candidate for these positions.
• Search for research assistant positions : Research assistant positions can be  found through PsychologyJobs.com , university career centers, and professional networking sites. You may also consider reaching out directly to research institutions or labs to inquire about potential opportunities.

Becoming a research psychologist requires a more significant investment of time and effort.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree:  The first step to becoming a research psychologist is to  earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology  or a related field.
• Earn a master’s degree:  many doctoral programs require a  master’s degree in psychology  or a related field.
• Obtain a doctoral degree:  Research psychologists typically hold a  doctoral degree in psychology , such as a PhD or a PsyD. These programs typically take 5-7 years to complete and involve coursework, research, and clinical experience.
• Gain research experience:  Research experience is essential for becoming a research psychologist. You can gain research experience through  internships , research assistantships, or working as a research coordinator.
• Obtain licensure or certification:  Depending on the state where you plan to work, you may need to obtain licensure to practice as a psychologist.  Licensure requirements vary , but typically involve completing supervised clinical experience, and  passing the EPPP licensing exam .
• Find a job:  You can search for job opportunities  through PsychologyJobs.com , professional networking sites, or contacting potential employers directly.

See also;  how to become a psychologist .

The median annual wage for research assistants in psychology is $49,850

The median annual wage for research psychologists is $79,000

Both figures sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more detailed insights visit our  research psychologist salary guide .

Latest Psychology Research Job Listings

5 Research Careers With a Master’s in Psychology

Industry Advice Healthcare

Working directly with patients in clinical settings isn’t the only way to put a graduate degree in psychology to good use. Research careers in psychology shape the direction of therapeutic strategies and public policies surrounding mental health. To effectively leverage findings in human behavior, several industries need researchers who can observe patients and identify behavioral patterns that affect mental well-being and decision-making.

This has led to an increased demand for psychology professionals. In fact, job growth in psychology careers is expected to increase six percent between 2022 and 2032—which is double the average growth for all other occupations.

Even with this job growth, many students still might be wondering: Is a master’s degree in psychology worth it?

Is a Master’s Degree in Psychology Worth It?

A master’s degree in psychology is an excellent investment for those looking to advance their education. While a bachelor’s degree in psychology can offer an adequate foundation of psychological methods and theories, many students need a master’s degree program to help identify what career is right for them.

“Students need more exposure to a graduate-level curriculum to really refine their goals in a certain area of psychology with the help of faculty advisors to help them shape that,” says Christie Rizzo, Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

Whether students plan to become psychologists , counselors , or pursue alternative careers in psychology, they need a strong foundation in behavioral theories. A master’s program provides evidence-based training that can be applied to real situations.

Some advantages students can expect from a psychology master’s degree program include:

• Preparation for doctoral programs
• Flexibility in career paths
• Increased earning potential
• Research opportunities
• Skills development

Another key advantage is the access to expert mentorship. “It’s not just about the coursework,” Rizzo says. “It’s also the personalized advising that they get to help move them along.”

Experienced instructors can offer students broader knowledge of the professional options available, guide their interests, and provide opportunities to learn about developing research.

One possible job outcome these programs can highlight is careers in research. For example, a master’s degree program in applied psychology—the practical application of psychological principles and theories—can help students transfer skills from psychology to industries and job titles that are focused on research evaluation.

“Considering the different ways we’re taking psychology principles and applying them in the real world,” Rizzo says. “We need to know how to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies. For that reason, the research component is incredibly important when studying applied psychology.”

If you’re interested in earning a master’s degree in applied psychology, here’s an overview of the industries hiring professionals with this educational background, as well as the top research careers in psychology that may be a good fit for you.

Top Industries in Psychology

Research careers in psychology can be rewarding for professionals who are passionate about the experimental and investigative aspects of studying behavior. Whether the goal is to work for nonprofits, public health agencies, or academic institutions, researchers are able to approach this discipline from many angles—ranging from observational studies to data analysis.

If you’re unsure of where your interests lie, here are some of the top industries hiring research-related psychology professionals.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits like prevention research centers are among the most common employers for people with psychology degrees. These nonprofit organizations study the risk factors for specific types of behavior or mental health challenges and develop strategies to address these issues on an individual and community level. Through proactive interventions, these organizations strive to reduce negative health outcomes as much as possible.

Local, State, and Federal Government

Government agencies also have research-related jobs in psychology at the local, state, and federal level. Similar to nonprofits, they serve public needs and evaluate communities that require the most support. Child welfare services, community organizations, housing assistance, and health advocacy programs are just a few examples of sectors in government that provide job opportunities for psychology graduates.

Public Health and Healthcare

Public health departments and private healthcare organizations employ psychology professionals to evaluate trends and demographic factors to understand how to create successful health policies. These research-focused careers also aid in the development of public outreach technology, using data and digital tools to determine the best ways to gather public health information and communicate important initiatives to the community.

Research professionals who leverage psychology principles frequently work in schools, colleges, and universities to explore emerging ideas in the field. They identify obstacles in the industry and challenges affecting specific populations, using evidence-based practices to design research studies. Academic environments also offer the opportunity to conduct individual research, instruct other professionals, and publish ground-breaking studies in their given field.

5 Research Careers in Psychology

These industries only provide a snapshot of the types of careers that are available to professionals with a master’s degree in psychology. Here’s an overview of the most common research careers that leverage psychology.

1. Data Analyst

Annual Average Salary: $78,516

Data analysts in psychology research fields oversee databases and assure the quality of data collection, management, and evaluation practices. They leverage psychology principles to interpret and predict user behavior by understanding cognitive biases and decision-making patterns. They also apply psychological frameworks to design effective data visualizations and user interfaces, optimizing data communication within an organization to promote better decision-making.

2. Director of Research

Annual Average Salary: $148,216

A director of research oversees the operations for an institution or psychology department. They coordinate research projects, secure funding, supervise staff, and decide how to allocate resources. They utilize psychology to design experiments and surveys that account for human behavior and cognitive biases, ensuring the validity and reliability of the collected data. In addition, it can guide the development of research methodologies, enhancing the understanding of human motivations and reactions in their studies.

3. Market Research Analyst

Annual Average Salary: $68,230

Market research analysts study consumer and community behavior to aid in the development of products and services. Whether they work in psychology or consumer industries, market research analysts investigate the choices, perspectives, barriers, and behavioral patterns of specific audiences. Using surveys, studies, trend assessments, and data reporting, analysts can identify strategies to improve community outreach and communication.

4. Prevention Specialist

Annual Average Salary: $59,748

Prevention specialists work in prevention centers conducting research on specific aspects of behavioral or psychological health. For example, they might study the most effective approaches to drug prevention or research the best interventions to support families in financial distress. Their research enables organizations to develop programs and policies that reduce risk factors and address emerging issues as early as possible.

5. Research Coordinator

Annual Average Salary: $68,567

Research coordinators oversee individual research projects, ensuring they comply with industry regulations and organizational objectives. Coordinators are project managers, and directly report to a research director. They are in charge of making sure a project runs smoothly by supervising the research team, budget, data, public outreach, and all other project activities.

Take the First Step Toward a Psychology Career in Research

For professionals who want options, earning a master’s degree in applied psychology is one of the most advantageous ways to build a flexible career. A graduate degree allows you to pursue a career focused on a variety of specialities research, counseling, or even clinical psychology. However, this program ensures you have the right skills to take on almost all these roles.

“When students come out of a counseling-focused master’s degree, they don’t have that level of skill,” Rizzo says. “This is because the focus of those programs is asking students ‘How can you be an effective counselor? And how much research knowledge do you need to understand the most effective treatments?’ But it does not touch on the broader set of research skills.”

Northeastern University’s MS in Applied Psychology is specifically designed to prepare graduates for research careers in psychology. Graduates learn to analyze trends and statistics to gain insights and communicate them to a wider industry.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this program, contact an admissions counselor to explore your options.

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