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Surveying Psychologists' Public Image with Drawings of a “Typical” Psychologist

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 May 2015

Steve G. Hartwig
Steve G. Hartwig*
Affiliation:
University of South Australia
*
Steve G. Hartwig who is now at Family and Youth Services (FAYS), Elizabeth District Centre, PO Box 21, Elizabeth SA 5112. Email address: Hartwig.Steve@saugov.sa.gov.au
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Abstract

Psychologists have traditionally surveyed their public image using structured survey methods, such as specific questions and rating scales. In an attempt to assess Australian psychology's public image using a less conventional survey approach, a representative sample of adults were asked to draw pictures of what they considered a “typical” psychologist to look like. A basic content analysis of respondents' drawings (N = 119) suggested that psychologists were predominantly perceived as male, and middle-aged or older. Further perceptions to emerge are presented and discussed, along with both methodological and professional implications of the findings.

Information

Type
Short Papers
Information
South Pacific Journal of Psychology , Volume 14 , 2003 , pp. 69 - 75
Copyright
Copyright © University of Papua New Guinea and Massey University, New Zealand/Aotearoa 2003

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