Every theory and application in psychology can be traced back to the work of a psychologist. However, the roles and focuses of psychologists can vary widely. While some primarily apply established theories and work directly with patients, others are more involved in the genesis and testing of new theories, relying on intuition and empirical research to validate their insights. That said, many psychologists often blend both roles, applying theories in practical settings while simultaneously questioning and refining them based on their observations and experiences.

For those with a keen interest in the investigative aspects of the discipline, a career in experimental psychology may be the ideal path. Though it may not resemble the “typical” psychology career, experimental psychology is pivotal in ensuring the field remains dynamic, ever-evolving, and rooted in the latest insights and perspectives. Dive deeper to understand what it entails to become an experimental psychologist, the prerequisites for entering this niche, and how you can embark on this intriguing journey.

What does an Experimental Psychologist Do?Job RequirementsSalary (How Much Do Experimental Psychologists Make?)Schools for Experimental Psychology DegreesCompanies That Hire Experimental PsychologistsResearch Opportunities in Experimental Psychology: From Assistant to DirectorInterviews with an Experimental PsychologistFamous Experimental PsychologistsExperimental Psychology Examples

What does an Experimental Psychologist Do?

Job Requirements

Salary (How Much Do Experimental Psychologists Make?)

Schools for Experimental Psychology Degrees

Companies That Hire Experimental Psychologists

Research Opportunities in Experimental Psychology: From Assistant to Director

Interviews with an Experimental Psychologist

Famous Experimental Psychologists

Experimental Psychology Examples

Experimental psychologists use the scientific method to test out different theories or questions they or others have developed in psychology. An experimental psychologist may spend their entire career attempting to answer one question, as one set of data or one study may not be enough to answer psychology’s larger questions.

Experimental psychologists may use data, surveys, focus groups, or other various experiments to seek out the answers that shape their careers. Many factors must be considered when these experiments are taken, especially regarding psychology. Motives, background, perception, and the diversity of subjects all come into play and shape the results of a study, survey, or experiment.

A well-respected experimental psychologist can live a comfortable life while answering the world’s biggest questions, but this salary is not guaranteed to all. Remember, your doctorate is usually the minimum requirement to conduct research at a university or in an esteemed research center. These salaries reflect experimental psychologists who have completed these degrees and are currently working to answer the questions they or others in their field have.

Experimental Psychologist Reported SalaryLowAverageHighEconomic Research Institute​$96,610ZipRecruiter$17,500$62,493$138,500Salary.com$73,459$97,711$122,148VeryWellMind​$92,000​

Experimental Psychologist Reported Salary

Low

Average

High

Economic Research Institute

​

$96,610

ZipRecruiter

$17,500

$62,493

$138,500

Salary.com

$73,459

$97,711

$122,148

VeryWellMind

$92,000

When choosing a school, always consider factors such as faculty expertise, research facilities, and the specific areas of experimental psychology the program emphasizes.

Where do experimental psychologists work? There are a lot of options! Many organizations have questions that experimental psychologists can attempt to answer through data collection and research. Any of the following organizations could put out a job listing for an experimental psychologist to work in-house or with various clients:

Experimental psychology isn’t just limited to conducting experiments; it’s also deeply intertwined with the broader world of research in psychology. Whether just starting in the field or aiming for leadership positions, there are many opportunities to delve into research. Here’s a closer look at the potential roles within this realm:

Research Psychologist:At the heart of experimental psychology is the Research Psychologist. They are responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting experiments that answer vital questions within the field of psychology. Their work often involves:

Research Assistant:This role is often an entry-level position, ideal for those new to the field or currently undergoing their graduate studies. Research Assistants play a crucial role in supporting the execution of experiments. Their tasks often include:

Research Director:This senior role is often found within larger research institutions, universities, or corporations. A Research Director oversees multiple research projects and ensures that they align with the organization’s broader objectives. Their responsibilities often encompass:

The field of experimental psychology is vast, and its research opportunities are diverse. Whether starting as a research assistant and learning the ropes or leading groundbreaking research initiatives as a director, there’s a pathway for every aspiring experimental psychologist. As the field continues to evolve, the demand for dedicated researchers who can provide insights into human behavior and cognition will only grow, making this a rewarding career choice for many.

Learn how experimental psychology differs from applied psychology with this video from Psy vs. Psy.

The most famous experiments in psychology are often the most controversial, but they have also influenced how we think about the human mind, personality, and behavior.

For example,Stanley Milgram’sobedience experimentsshowed the world what people would do if they felt they had to obey a researcher or authority figure.

Phillip Zimbardo’sStanford Prison Experiment took a terrifying look into what people could do if given a certain role in society.

Albert Bandura’sBobo Doll Experiment showed how children pick up certain behaviors and traits through observation, including violent ones.

Martin Seligman’sLearned Helplessness Experiments showed how run-down we can feel and how helpless we can become if we do not believe that we are in control of what happens to us.

Finally,Jane Elliot’sBlue Eyes Brown Eyes experiment showed how easily children (and adults) can develop prejudiced behavior just because they are told they are in one group or another.

Experimental psychologists focus on one task within psychology: conducting experiments to answer the field’s largest questions. The average day of an experimental psychologist may include:

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Practical Psychology. (2021, June).Experimental Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/experimental-psychologist/.Practical Psychology. (2021, June). Experimental Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/experimental-psychologist/.Copy

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