Researching and Understanding My Topic - WEEK 2

When researching my topic, I learned that there is a lot of information out there that I never knew existed.  I found it difficult to be so broad when do my searches because I am so used to trying to be as specific as possible when I am looking for something on-line.  Okay, so with that said, this is what I learned:

First I started with learning about the field of neuropsychology since I think that I am interested in that field of study, I thought this would be an excellent place to begin.  I would like to learn more about what neuropsychologists do before I make a commitment.  The following two paragraph’s are a direct quote from the main web page giving the definition.

“The brain’s complex mysteries have fueled debate, controversy, and intrigue among scientific professionals for centuries, but only over the past few decades have these mysteries started to become understandable. The field of neuropsychology is one field significantly contributing to our knowledge and understanding of the great spellbinder called the brain.

Fueled by advancements in imaging technology, neuropsychological thinking started to gather momentum during the 1950s and 1960s. It was during this era when research and findings from cognitive psychology and brain physiology were integrated into a new field of study.” (allpsychologycareers.com)

I am fascinated with the way our brains work, (Belinda)

I also discovered a list of ALL psychology jobs that are out there, based on all of the lists that I found in various places uses my new search techniques, I know that I have the most comprehensive list.  This is going to be a way for me to get a visual and literally cross specialties off the list that I am not interested in, then I can really narrow it down.  I love the field of psychology and hope that I have the opportunity to explore it as much as possible.  I know that this research will help me a lot.  Soon I will begin my first internship, and I will be able to add that to my list of research.  I am enjoying all of the new ways of finding information on-line, I feel like I know a secret.

http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/neuropsychology.html

Introduction Week 1

That's me on the left at "Painting With a Twist" May 1, 2015

Welcome to my research blog.  My name is Belinda Echevers. I will complete my B.A. in psychology on March 15th, 2016. This is my second time attending Brandman, I started to take classes for my degree 4 years ago and due to illness, I was forced to drop out.  This time around I started Spring I this year.   

My career aspirations vary from interactive psychotherapy to neuropsychology, I would love to further my research on these specific areas of psychology so I can narrow my path and make a decision.  The criteria for decision making will be job availability in my area, competitive salary and an organization that I can believe and feel good about.  I am not just looking for a paycheck, I want to LOVE my work, and I am willing to put in the hard work that is necessary to earn my money. In addition to loving my work, and earning enough money, I also want to research work environment and benefits, everything will count and have a weighted impact on my decision.

I have lived a full life and decided it was so much fun that I would reset the clock and do it all over again.  I look forward to what the next half century will bring.

Sunrise, Aliso Viejo, March 17th 2015

In my spare time I am: 

• An amateur photographer
• On a competitive Dragon Boat Paddling Team  
• An animal care volunteer at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach
• A member of the American Cetacean Society
• A certified Naturalist, so I go whale watching every chance I get, at least twice a month. 

April 26, 2015 Cow/calf pair of gray whales playing in Laguna Cove 

I am looking forward to learning the best way to conduct effective research in LBSU302.  One of the skills that I would like to learn in this class is how to sift through the scholarly articles in places like Leatherby Libraries and find the articles that best match my needs.  As of right now, I have a system.  I search for an article and I use the ones that come up with "PDF or Full-text available" those are the only ones that I choose to read and use for my research, and I know that there has to be a better way.