Discussion Post: Statistics in Careers
In this module, you will explore how statistics are used in careers that are common for those who earn degrees in psychology. You have learned about the general importance of being able to think statistically throughout the course, but here we will focus on career applications that may be particularly relevant to you and your professional goals. Statistics and statistical thinking are present and required in many professions. Statistics are used to gain valuable insights from data to improve performance and outcomes in many careers. For example, many undergraduates in psychology desire to enter a helping profession (e.g., drug and alcohol counseling, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, etc.). Of course, all of these professions are required to follow evidence-based practice-which means that data and statistical analysis are required to support therapeutic interventions applied with clients.
For this discussion, read the article "What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?" from the American Psychological Association. This discussion will focus on considering how statistics, statistical thinking, or data literacy are important in a career that is common to psychology graduates and that interests you.
For your initial post, address the following:
1) Identify either your current professional position or a desired position. Consider referring to the provided article for inspiration.
2) Describe how statistics, statistical thinking, or data literacy is helpful or required for the position you identified.
3) Explain how you can use the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to help you make data-based career decisions.
4) Search the handbook for the job you identified and explore the results.
5) Provide examples of statistics regarding jobs that you find most useful (e.g., earnings, projected growth, etc.).
6) How could statistics, statistical thinking, or data literacy help to address any of the following programmatic course themes in the context of the chosen careers? You may want to review the Programmatic Themes document.
a) Self-care
b) Social justice
c) Emotional intelligence
d) Career connections
e) Ethics
Remember to respond to two peers while being respectful of and sensitive to their viewpoints. Consider advancing the discussion in the following ways:
1) Post an article, video, visual, or another job description to reinforce a peer's idea or challenge them to see their point from a different perspective.
2) Engage in conversation with your peers around the topic of statistics in your careers. Consider asking a question or sharing your own personal experience.
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.