Does Non-Scientific Research Count

[Ravens18]

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If I were do research research in the field of psychology (my intended major) as opposed to a biological/physical science would that be worth listing on a med school application?

 

[Ravens18]

to do research*

 

[deleted407021]

Absolutely. You are there to learn as much as you can about the scientific method and to make a contribution to a study.

 

[Ravens18]

Thanks!

 

[deleted407021]

Thanks!

Well, I'm glad you like my advice, but mine is just one informed opinion.Wait for some more posters to weigh in.

Overall, though, regardless of if it's life science vs. physical science vs. social science, any research experience is a plus. That's a rule.

 

[type12]

Isn't research, by definition, scientific?

If you're not using the scientific method, what are you doing?

 

[What's Up Doc]

Psychology research is absolutely considered research, and med schools will see it as such. It's a huge misconception (widely believed, however) that all pre-med research has to be in a lab testing cancer treatments on mice or something crazy like that. As long as you're adding to the existing body of knowledge of any subject in a meaningful way, med schools will appreciate the research and "give you credit" for it.

 

[ridethecliche]

Isn't research, by definition, scientific?

If you're not using the scientific method, what are you doing?

Economics.

 

[type12]

Economics.

 

[ridethecliche]

I raise you:

 

[Judson]

I'm a psychology major and a research assistant in a psychology lab at my university. I don't see why med schools wouldn't see psychology research as legit.

 

[Ravens18]

Yeah I thought the same too. I'd probably enjoy conducting psychology-related research more and it'd be easier to obtain given my intended major although I wouldn't mind research in biology/physical sciences either

 

[kthxbai]

There is a lot to be said about the rigor of basic science, but I don't see that psychology would be dismissed either.

I've done both types of research, and in my opinion bench science trumps any other research in its difficulty and problem solving skills. That's just me though.