Psychology Personal Statement Example 52

As a social species the lives of human beings revolve around the interactions we have with one another, so surely an interest in people and their behaviour is a natural curiosity?

As we grow up in society we subconsciously study human behaviour so we can understand people and fit in; in this way I believe we are all psychologists.

For some, the insight into the human psyche is only as deep as their own experience but for me the exposure to psychology provided by everyday life and popular culture is not enough, the mind is too complex a puzzle to be left untouched. I seek a greater understanding of this fundamental part of our existence.

Part of what draws me to psychology is the way in which it marries multiple disciplines; it is both an art and a science, which seems logical considering that psychology is found everywhere in society.

However it is not just the breadth of this subject that I find appealing. Due to the volatility of society and the adaptability of human behaviour there are no fixed laws in psychology meaning that there will always be something new to study and analyse in this field. I find this dynamism exciting.

I spent my A-level courses developing skills I believe will be useful in the study of psychology. Testing theories using experiments forms a large part of the discipline and studying physics has shown me how to formulate experiments in order to do this.

Maths has taught me that with persistence and a strong understanding of logic even the most complex problem can be solved and I believe the disciplines which studying Maths has instilled in me, such as the ability to think laterally, are important life skills.

Biology has taught me crucial experimental and time management skills from the many practical sessions involved and how to use statistics to draw conclusions from experimental data. It also introduced me to the nervous system giving me an insight into the physiological workings of the mind.

My work experience was at RenaultSport in France, where I enjoyed the opportunity to explore the wide range of departments on offer.

It was interesting to observe the different personality types associated with different departments. This variety made me curious about personality development and made me ask what variables affect such a unique trait and how they make people more suited to their job. I was inspired by this to read about Freud’s psychosexual and Ericson’s psychosocial theories of development.

I was particularly fascinated by Freud’s simplicity; a handful of factors at various stages of childhood determine the habits and behaviour of adulthood, although I found Erikson to be much more thorough in his theory.

Having represented my school at rugby and water polo, I have learnt the importance of being a team player and understand how a shared goal can be more easily achieved when working with people you trust and have confidence in. The team skills I have learnt from playing sport have proved valuable in a passion of mine; playing guitar in a band.

This often requires large amounts of patience, compromise and respect for others’ opinions, especially when overcoming musical differences when writing songs.

I am also interested in the beat generation of the 1950s and the works of literature it inspired, and wrote my extended independent research essay on the subculture’s influence on the subsequent mainstream culture.

I have always loved to travel and since reading Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’ I have felt compelled to do so more often; this summer I spent a month travelling across Europe with a group of friends visiting nine cities in eight countries and I’m currently saving towards a trip across South America.

I think that my scientific background, analytical ability and skill in problem solving make me an ideal candidate for studying psychology. I look forward to the challenges this degree has to offer.