Neuropsychology is a direction in science that studies the formation and development of the cognitive processes of the brain. This includes the study of brain’s specific properties and the ability to store information in short or long-term memory. For example, a neuropsychologist might be interested in what are the differences between memorizing numerical exercises and a foreign language. Thus, neuropsychologists are key specialists in the research of the mechanisms of the brain, determining the zones of human development, and identifying the causes of a person’s difficulties in professional or academic activities (Abraham, 2019). Moreover, neuropsychologists are also able to work with patients who experienced traumatic brain injury to help their cognitive abilities recover to the fullest.
Forensic psychology studies the patterns of the human psyche in the field of legal law. It helps to objectively investigate violations of the law, determine the adequacy of the suspect, influence the speed of the investigation, and reduce the stress level of all participants in the trial. A forensic psychologist at the stages of a court case performs many actions. They can determine whether a person (perpetrator, suspect, victim or witness) suffers from a psychological disorder and whether the offender is able to realize their actions and be responsible for them. The psychologist also testifies in court in favor or defense of the prosecution and eliminates conflicts arising in the process of investigation and trial by governing the entire investigation procedure. Finally, they can determine the offender’s ability to reform and, after the court decision, participate in the rehabilitation of the convict.
Initially, I have imagined that academia professors are concerned majorly with scientific support of the students: performing lectures and seminars, providing and evaluating assignments, and helping students with their research. I have also thought that professors are involved with research themselves: being experts in their fields, they have the ability to design new approaches and theories to further the development of their scientific area. I found myself surprised after reading the description, as I realized that professors are responsible for creating and managing curriculums, writing grant and other proposals, as well as for a lot of administrative duties.
Personally, I would like to pursue a career in neuropsychology – it is a very promising field of science that has a lot of potential. Specifically, I am interested in assisting with developing neural networks and artificial intelligence, as there are so many unsolved questions and issues yet.
References
Abraham, A. (2019). The neuropsychology of creativity. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 27, 71–76. Web.