A psychologist studies behavior and learning using observation, experimentation, and survey techniques. Some psychologists teach, some conduct research, and some apply their knowledge to problems of human behavior. Any combination of these is also possible. Most people think of psychologists as clinicians who test, diagnose, and treat emotional and behavioral problems.
Clinical psychology is one of the major areas of psychology, but it is far from the only one.
Developmental psychologists study normal patterns of development in children, adolescents, adults, the aged, or other animal species. Experimental psychologists increase our understanding of basic processes such as learning, motivation, emotion, and perception. Industrial and organizational psychologists aid in the selection and development of human resources in business or government. School psychologists treat social and learning problems of school children. Forensic psychologists work for the criminal and civil justice systems.