“There are so many fields of psychology that don’t just focus on pathologies”: A Conversation with 4th Year Student Mallory Murphy

(Photo provided by Mallory Murphy)

“It’s so interesting that one’s cultural background and socialization may impact how they perceive and interact with the world but, contrastingly, there are vast similarities or even identical patterns between humans that transcend culture.” ~Mallory Murphy

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*In the following article, TS refers to The Synapse and MM refers to Mallory Murphy;

TS: Could you briefly introduce yourself and why you chose to study psychology at UNB?

MM: I’m Mallory Murphy, and I’m in my 4th Year doing a BA in Psychology with Honours. I chose UNB as I’m from Fredericton, but also because of their outstanding academic reputation.

TS: What is the most fascinating thing you have learned about psychology from your courses at UNB so far?

MM: I feel like everything I’ve learned has fascinated me. I find cross-cultural psychology especially interesting, though. It’s so interesting that one’s cultural background and socialization may impact how they perceive and interact with the world but, contrastingly, there are vast similarities or even identical patterns between humans that transcend culture.

TS: How far do you wish to pursue studies in psychology and why? (bachelors, masters, PhD, career, etc)

MM: I aspire to earn my PhD in experimental psychology. In my short time being involved in research projects, I’ve developed a great passion for this work and would love to pursue it as a lifelong career.

TS: If you met someone who wasn’t interested in psychology at all, what is something you would say to try and enlighten them?

MM: I would try to convince them of how practical psychology is in everyday life. As mundane as it may seem, how one perceives and interacts with their environment and the people within IS psychology! There are so many fields of psychology that don’t just focus on pathologies or clinical treatment that first come to mind when people think of the discipline - surely one of them would spark some interest.

TS: Is there any discipline other than psychology that you would seriously consider pursuing? Why?

MM: I would consider pursuing environmental science. Right now we’re experiencing only the beginning of the climate crisis effects - sustainable practices and environmental management are crucial!

TS: Do you have a favourite psychological film/ book/ song/ artwork/ etc? If so, which, and what do you like about it?

MM: I just finished reading ’Understanding Motivation And Emotion’ (7th ed) for a summer course. It was so practical and applicable to my life in general, but especially currently as a student pursuing the long-term goal of furthering my education/ pursuing a career in psychology. It provided a lot of great insights and tips/advice, especially for goal-setting and goal-striving. Ψ

Created for The Synapse by Incé Husain.