2 answers
marta
Student
Tbilisi, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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do you have to be great at math and overall really smart to study psychology,?
im really worried that i wont be smart enough to study psychology but i really wanna study it in order to help people in the future and see people getting better because its my dream but sometimes i see some people saying you have to be extremly smart in every subject in school in order to study psychology.
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2 answers
Gena Holmes
Clinical Psychologist
14
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Gena’s Answer
Hi Marta,
I think being smart helps but having a desire to help people and a passion for the work is more important in my view.
I am proof that you can get through psychology without being good at maths. I found the statistic subjects extremely challenging. I would
have failed them if it weren’t for a couple of friends who were naturals at maths and prepared to spend time helping me (I repaid them with chocolate!).
If you don’t know anyone who can help you I think a tutor would be worthwhile. It’s also worth asking if your institution has additional support available and talking to your uni teachers about your concerns.
You have made a great start in asking here. I remember feeling so lost and stressed during the statistics class that my brain shut down. I hid this though and carried on like I understood and fell further and further behind. If I could go back I would let my teacher know straight away that I was struggling so they could help me. That is their job after-all.
In terms of the writing side simply practicing helped me. The chapter below also really helped me, so much so that I still use it today. Reading this was the first time I’d ever had any instruction on how to write well (the article is about how to write up a research study for publication but the tips apply to any form of writing):
https://web.mit.edu/curhan/www/docs/Articles/15341_Readings/Doctoral_Resources/Bem.D.J.2000.Writing.an.Empirical.Art.GUIDE.TO.PUBLISHING.pdf
There are also strict formatting and writing conventions to follow in psychology (in Australia it’s APA format). I found this so boring but if you follow the required formatting style closely and take time to make sure you have set everything out as required, that will help.
All the best. You have a desire and genuine interest in the field and I think that’s most important, the rest you can learn with practice and support.
Gena
I think being smart helps but having a desire to help people and a passion for the work is more important in my view.
I am proof that you can get through psychology without being good at maths. I found the statistic subjects extremely challenging. I would
have failed them if it weren’t for a couple of friends who were naturals at maths and prepared to spend time helping me (I repaid them with chocolate!).
If you don’t know anyone who can help you I think a tutor would be worthwhile. It’s also worth asking if your institution has additional support available and talking to your uni teachers about your concerns.
You have made a great start in asking here. I remember feeling so lost and stressed during the statistics class that my brain shut down. I hid this though and carried on like I understood and fell further and further behind. If I could go back I would let my teacher know straight away that I was struggling so they could help me. That is their job after-all.
In terms of the writing side simply practicing helped me. The chapter below also really helped me, so much so that I still use it today. Reading this was the first time I’d ever had any instruction on how to write well (the article is about how to write up a research study for publication but the tips apply to any form of writing):
https://web.mit.edu/curhan/www/docs/Articles/15341_Readings/Doctoral_Resources/Bem.D.J.2000.Writing.an.Empirical.Art.GUIDE.TO.PUBLISHING.pdf
There are also strict formatting and writing conventions to follow in psychology (in Australia it’s APA format). I found this so boring but if you follow the required formatting style closely and take time to make sure you have set everything out as required, that will help.
All the best. You have a desire and genuine interest in the field and I think that’s most important, the rest you can learn with practice and support.
Gena
thank you so much gena for your great answer! i hope everything goes well, thank u once again<3
marta
Jeff Zellmer
CFO Consultant
3
Answers
Morgan Hill, California
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
There is some math needed for psychology, primarily statistical concepts. A good teacher and/or tutor can be quite helpful to reduce stress or intimidation. Emotional intelligence and empathy are more important than just intellectual horsepower.