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The Relationship Between Academic Major and Perception of Psychology as a Science
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by Dana P. Jens and Myra D. Heinrich* - Mesa State College
Categories: Educational | Social
Friedrich (1996) designed the Psychology as Science (PAS) Scale to assess perception of psychology. This study is a modified replication of Friedrich’s (1996) research. Using the PAS Scale, differences in perception of psychology as a science among upper division psychology, counseling psychology, and biology majors were investigated. Results indicated psychology majors perceived psychology as being more scientific than did biology majors; however, no significant differences were found between other majors. The relationship of academic major (psychology, counseling psychology) and number of laboratory courses taken to PAS score was also investigated. Results indicated psychology majors perceived psychology more as a science than did counseling psychology majors. The main effect of laboratory course experience and the interaction were not significant. Although the study provided partial support for Friedrich's (1996) findings, the impact of laboratory experience needs further clarification.