Careers in Cognitive Psychology

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Careers in Cognitive Psychology

• Michael Kaschak

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Cognitive Science

• How does the mind work?
• How is this instantiated in the brain?
• Attention, perception, learning, memory,
  language, problem solving, decision making
• Cognitive science relates to
• Psychology, education, computer science, etc.

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Careers in Cognition Training

• Undergraduate training ? Skill based employment
• Research methods and statistics (the more, the
  better)
• Cognitive psych, plus any 4000-levels in area
• DIS in one or more labs
• Computer programming
• AVOID CRIMINAL RECORD!!!!!!
• Graduate training
• Masters or PhD in Cognitive Psychology,
  Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Human
  Factors
• NoteHuman factors does not necessarily mean I/O
  psychology

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Career Paths

• With undergraduate degree
• Human factors product design, evaluation, and
  testing
• Industries Aerospace, automobile, military,
  technology (IBM, Microsoft, etc.), human-computer
  interaction
• With graduate degree
• Same as above, with better pay -)
• Academic careers Cognitive psych Cog Science
  Business schools Law schools

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What is Human Factors?

• The Third Brake Light
• HUD (Head-Up Display)
• Reach Toothbrush

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Human-Computer Interaction

• Interface between humans and computers
• Human factors issues, but also other things
• Communication ? how do we communicate with more
  intelligent machines?
• Interfacing mind and machine ? biofeedback and
  the possibility of neural control of external
  systems

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Career Paths

• Varied options, flexible, challenging careers
• Multiple projects self-motivation needed
• Opportunities to affect peoples lives
• Competitive pay scale
• Undergrads starting around 50K, grads somewhat
  higher
• Management starting around 150K

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Career Paths in Cognition

• Questions?