Hi, Gunnar,
Thanks for a useful post.
Two short footnotes:
1) In some circles, the PsyD is indeed considered the superior degree for
professional practice by clinical psychologists and psychotherapists. When I
took my doctorate in human behavior, I was in a program that had a common
core for psychology, behavioral science, anthropology, and leadership. In
those days, they awarded only the PhD, but the university distinguished
between the PhD in clinical psychology (practice), and experimental
psychology (theory). The PhD does remain the preferred degree for many who
will teach clinical psychology at university.
2) In some universities, there are several "real" doctorates other than the
PhD. If you are a theologian, DrTheol, STD, or ThD would be preferred. I
expect this may change if the fundamentalists win their debate to have God
declared a designer. While this will pose a serious problem for natuiral
science and the theory of evolution, it will certainly raise the status of
design. I am lucky enough to have a foot in both camps. As a scholar, I go
for evolution. As a designer, I'll enjoy the promotion. My wife, however, is
a Swedish theologian, which is to say that she votes for science. Even if
the Bible thumpers win, I get no extra points at home.
Warm wishes,
Ken
On Tue, 8 Dec 2009 18:00:46 -0500, Swanson, Gunnar <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
--snip--
But if the PhD teaches how to be a scientist and researcher and the PsyD
spends the same time and effort on the practice of psychology, wouldn't the
latter likely be better and more thorough training for a practitioner?
--snip--
It does not surprise me that some people see it as an easier project to
broaden the definition of the PhD than to broaden entrenched assumptions
that include the PhD being the only "real" professorial degree.
--snip--
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