Change in research focus

[windypoplars]

I was initially drawn to psychology because of Carl Jung, and I wanted to learn more about the symbols and myths and dreams and how these drive one's life behaviors and decisions. But it seems like this topic is almost considered voodoo or just a nice fairy tale mentioned in the intro psych class. I haven't found anyone working in academia examining this topic that's not in clinical (and I'm not interested in becoming a clinician) And I understand it's a topic that probably has no tangible value and it's hard to scientifically research… In any case, still wanting to pursue this field, while being funded by an academic institution, I compromised by choosing my research focus as decision-making. But as I am writing my 9th school's personal statement, I notice my research focus (on paper) is neuroeconomics on how rewards and punishments are reflected in the brain. I guess this trajectory of research focus was intentional at my end, but I also wonder if I'm being untruthful to myself. People often make fun of people who work for money and glorify those scientists who pursue the truth with little financial incentive. I thought I was the latter, but at this point, I'm not sure which one I am. Well, I guess it's prob neither or both… :-/ Anyone going through a similar dilemma? 

Edited November 11, 2013 by windypoplars

[Guest |||]

While there do seem to be a fair number of cultural psychologists considering topics of myths and legends, you might fit in better with anthropologists research interest wise.

 

 

That said, you could always try to find someone who while not currently conducting such research, is none the less interested in it and could support you.

[BeingThere]

QUOTE:  "I notice my research focus (on paper) is neuroeconomics on how rewards and punishments are reflected in the brain. I guess this trajectory of research focus was intentional at my end, but I also wonder if I'm being untruthful to myself. People often make fun of people who work for money and glorify those scientists who pursue the truth with little financial incentive. I thought I was the latter, but at this point, I'm not sure which one I am."

 

Is this irony?  I am not making fun of your predicament because it sounds like a difficult place to be in.  However, I can't help noticing that your focus on decision-making and neuroeconomics does sort of mirror your own dilemma.  Is one arising from the other?

 

For myself, because I'm betting my research interests will evolve over time, I'm cutting as wide a path as I can now.  Is there a (funded) path you can pursue now that will get you to Jungian theory down the road when you aren't worried about funding so much?  I'm a big believer in following your dreams (no pun intended) but I also think you are wise to consider practicalities.

 

There may also be ways down the road to collaborate with others on Jungian topics, bringing whatever your research expertise is to that collaboration. 

Edited November 11, 2013 by Bren2014

[spunky]

People often make fun of people who work for money and glorify those scientists who pursue the truth with little financial incentive. I thought I was the latter, but at this point, I'm not sure which one I am. Well, I guess it's prob neither or both… :-/ Anyone going through a similar dilemma? 

 

and to those people i'd say my favourite quote from Brian Kenney (from the oh-so-awesome-show Queer as Folk):

 

"There is Nothing Noble in Being Poor"

[Guest |||]

Depends entirely on who you are.

 

I have no interest in having a large salary, so I can live longer, doing what I don't like doing.

 

I prefer a smaller salary, doing what I like to do, and if it means dying sooner than I'm content with a short good life instead of a long poor one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That said, you can usually have both if youre clever about it.

[artlesspredilection]

The area would be imaginal/depth psychology, and there are researchers pursuing topics on this (e.g., RD Romanyshyn at Pacifica); programs focusing specifically on this area are probably not many, and I don't believe the one at Pacifica is funded. However, if you are interested in theories underlying the field, I'm sure there's always a way of integrating them into your study; similarly, pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology does not necessitate that you become a clinician.