A quantitative psychologist is a psychologist who has received additional training in the application of mathematical and statistical concepts to psychological principles. Quantitative psychologists typically have a doctorate in quantitative psychology and techniques. They can use this knowledge in any type of psychology research project.
Measurement of psychological attributes, such as IQ, is one of the fields in which a quantitative psychologist might work. Quantitative psychologists can create tests and other measurement tools that can be used in psychological research or in day-to-day psychological processes. They may also assess psychological measurement tools to ensure that they are accurate and reliable methods of determining psychological principles.
Another area where a quantitative psychologist’s skills can be put to use is in research design. Quantitative psychologists can assist in the development of research methods that produce better results, as it is difficult to design reliable research projects. They may concentrate on developing or refining data collection methods, such as surveys and tests.
A psychological research study must also be able to clearly demonstrate cause and effect. A qualitative psychologist can ensure that the study’s design is sound enough for conclusions to be drawn. A reliable study is also generalizable, which means that a researcher can draw conclusions about the general population based on the findings of the study’s participants. A quantitative psychologist can also help to verify and improve the study in this area.
Quantitative psychologists are also trained to analyze psychological data mathematically and statistically. They may, for example, take a clinical trial result and use statistics to determine whether the result is relevant or if the results are due to chance. They can also compare different research methods using mathematical and statistical principles to see which is better.
Statistics and other mathematical principles can be used to model psychological processes in psychology. A quantitative psychologist, for example, might model a person’s decision-making process using a mathematical principle. Quantitative psychologists can also model and describe psychological principles using computer models.
A task force of the American Psychological Association (APA) discovered that, despite the high demand for quantitative psychologists, only a few doctoral degrees in the field are awarded each year. As of the late 2000s, the job market for a quantitative psychologist is very good. To become a quantitative psychologist, a psychology student must complete extensive training, which includes courses in mathematics and statistics. Many students may be put off by the emphasis on mathematics.