Educational psychologists concentrate on how effective teaching and learning take place. They consider a variety of factors, such as human abilities, student motivation, and the effect on the classroom of the diversity of race, ethnicity, and culture that makes up America. Engineering psychologists conduct research on how people work best with machines. Most engineering psychologists work in industry, but some are employed by the government, particularly the Department of Defense. They are often known as human factors specialists.
Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal issues.
Their expertise is often essential in court. They can, for example, help a judge decide which parent should have custody of a child or evaluate a defendant's mental competence to stand trial. Some forensic psychologists are trained in both psychology and the law. Health psychologists are interested in how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness. They also develop health care strategies that foster emotional and physical well-being.