What Do Research Psychologists Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for research psychologists?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what research psychologists do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Research Psychologists Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about research psychologists by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Research Psychologists all psychologists not listed separately.
Popular Job Titles For Research Psychologists
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Neuropsychologists
- Psychometricians
- Psychometrists
- Clinical Neuropsychologists
- Pediatric Neuropsychologists
- Research Psychologists
- Neuropsychometrists
- Health Psychologists
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialists
- Human Factors Specialists
- School Psychometrists
- Sports Psychologists
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for research psychologists can be found.
Best Industries for Research Psychologists
Research Psychologists Jobs By Industry
- Federal Government, Civilian: 61%
- Offices of Other Health Practitioners: 9.5%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 5.7%
- Federal Government, Military: 4.7%
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 4.3%
- Offices of Physicians: 3.2%
- Other: 11.6%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of research psychologists can be found working in the Federal Government, Civilian sector. In 2022, about 61% of all jobs for research psychologists were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Offices of Other Health Practitioners (9.5%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (5.7%), Federal Government, Military (4.7%), General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (4.3%) and Offices of Physicians (3.2%).
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What Do Research Psychologists Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what research psychologists do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work research psychologists do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that research psychologists tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for research psychologists, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Research Psychologists
Based on 3,960 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Research Psychologists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 2,695 | 68% |
| Neurology | 754 | 19% |
| Clinical Psychology | 680 | 17% |
| Neuropsychological Tests | 666 | 17% |
| Psychometrics | 611 | 15% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Research Psychologists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 1,633 | 41% |
| Writing | 1,027 | 26% |
| Communications | 924 | 23% |
| Presentations | 711 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 653 | 16% |
Based on 3,960 job postings related to research psychologists, psychology was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 68% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for neurology, clinical psychology, neuropsychological tests, psychometrics and sas (software) were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for research psychologists, followed by writing, communications, presentations, problem solving and quality control.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 2,695 | 68% |
| Neurology | 754 | 19% |
| Clinical Psychology | 680 | 17% |
| Neuropsychological Tests | 666 | 17% |
| Psychometrics | 611 | 15% |
| SAS (Software) | 608 | 15% |
| Rehabilitation | 596 | 15% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 545 | 14% |
| Pediatrics | 538 | 14% |
| Clinical Neuropsychology | 537 | 14% |
| Statistical Software | 537 | 14% |
| Item Response Theory | 522 | 13% |
| R (Programming Language) | 510 | 13% |
| Psychological Evaluations | 492 | 12% |
| Psychiatry | 480 | 12% |
| SPSS (Statistical Software) | 384 | 10% |
| Project Management | 379 | 10% |
| Behavioral Health | 359 | 9% |
| Neuropsychological Assessments | 350 | 9% |
| Traumatic Brain Injuries | 339 | 9% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 1,633 | 41% |
| Writing | 1,027 | 26% |
| Communications | 924 | 23% |
| Presentations | 711 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 653 | 16% |
| Quality Control | 594 | 15% |
| Management | 572 | 14% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 473 | 12% |
| Time Management | 446 | 11% |
| Detail Oriented | 428 | 11% |
| Planning | 404 | 10% |
| Quality Assurance | 391 | 10% |
| Microsoft Office | 364 | 9% |
| Critical Thinking | 354 | 9% |
| Report Writing | 337 | 9% |
| Adaptability | 326 | 8% |
| Ethical Standards And Conduct | 308 | 8% |
| Editing | 286 | 7% |
| Scheduling | 285 | 7% |
| Teaching | 283 | 7% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Research Psychologists
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Neuropsychologists | 3,535 | 30.6% |
| Psychometricians | 2,197 | 19% |
| Psychometrists | 3,087 | 26.8% |
| Clinical Neuropsychologists | 648 | 5.6% |
| Pediatric Neuropsychologists | 445 | 3.9% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2021 and August 2022, the top job sought by employers was neuropsychologists, with 940 unique job postings. Psychometricians were second, with 666 postings, followed by psychometrists, clinical neuropsychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to research psychologists.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Neuropsychologists | 3,535 | 30.6% |
| Psychometricians | 2,197 | 19% |
| Psychometrists | 3,087 | 26.8% |
| Clinical Neuropsychologists | 648 | 5.6% |
| Pediatric Neuropsychologists | 445 | 3.9% |
| Research Psychologists | 410 | 3.6% |
| Neuropsychometrists | 505 | 4.4% |
| Health Psychologists | 366 | 3.2% |
| Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialists | 73 | 0.6% |
| Human Factors Specialists | 41 | 0.4% |
| School Psychometrists | 34 | 0.3% |
| Sports Psychologists | 26 | 0.2% |
| Behavioral Health Specialists | 28 | 0.2% |
| Personnel Research Psychologists | 32 | 0.3% |
| Forensic Psychologists | 11 | 0.1% |
| Psychologists | 16 | 0.1% |
| Engineering Psychologists | 31 | 0.3% |
| Operational Psychologists | 16 | 0.1% |
| Pediatric Psychologists | 23 | 0.2% |
| Inpatient Psychologists | 16 | 0.1% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for research psychologists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for research psychologists.
How much do research psychologists make?
Research Psychologists: How do you become one?
All Occupations
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