An undergraduate survey : why do students enrol to study psychology?

Abstract

This endeavor emerges out of a context of widespread consultation around a clearer, internationally recognizable practice framework for psychology in South Africa, as well as the implications of programme design as demanded by current tertiary education restructuring. This climate of change has prompted the investigation of ideas for restructuring undergraduate psychology courses to meet the needs of the students, the profession and the society. A specially designed questionnaire and the NEO-Five Factor Inventory were administered to 508 psychology students at all levels of undergraduate study. Analysis focused on why students chose to study psychology at university, and situated this within career choice theory as well as the effects of personality, gender and population group membership. Results reflect two main student trends: students who are interested in a career in psychology, and those who see psychology as an adjunct to other career choices. The importance of broader national and global trends on the psychological discipline in a multicultural and diverse context is emphasized.