Comparative psychology compares animal behavior with human behavior, focusing on animal psychology and its implications for human psychology. Most comparative psychologists work in research or teaching, with advanced degrees required for teaching at a university. Duties may include research, teaching, writing, and unique work such as promoting a book or working with animals.
Comparative psychology is a branch of psychology concerned with comparing animal behavior with human behavior. In general, it focuses on animal psychology and the implications that science can have on our understanding of human psychology. The work of a comparative psychologist can be highly variable depending on their specialty, but many psychologists of this type work in research or teaching. Unusual jobs that require a degree in comparative psychology might include working with animals at a zoo or working as a consultant on a television show about animals.
The first thing to keep in mind when considering what a comparative psychologist does is the degree of education he has. A person with a bachelor’s degree in comparative psychology, for example, may work as an assistant in a laboratory or may perform lower-level work informed by their degree. Only with an advanced degree can an individual teach at a university, and most positions in comparative psychology require a doctorate.
Most of the time, what a comparative psychologist does is research and teach in the field of comparative psychology. This may include writing articles and applying for grants, in addition to all other component parts of the research. Travel is sometimes a component of research for a comparative psychologist, but many researchers work purely in laboratories with animals in captivity. When comparative psychologists research in nature, the observation often takes a long time and may require a teaching sabbatical.
Teaching comparative psychology usually takes place at the college level and can make up the majority of a psychologist’s work. The specific duties of a professional in this field may vary by university. Many comparative psychologists working at universities conduct research with the assistance of university grants and student assistants. In some cases, a comparative psychologist may also teach courses in general psychology at a university, particularly in lecture courses taught by the entire psychology department.
In addition to teaching and research, a comparative psychologist may also lecture or do other unique work. If the researcher writes a book, for example, he or she may need to go out and promote that book. In some cases, a comparative psychologist may work with a facility that houses animals or works with animals to improve the lifespan and satisfaction of these creatures. Depending on who employs the comparative psychologist, their professional duties can be quite different.
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