The Research Training of Counseling Psychologists

Abstract

Participants were 355 randomly selected Division 17 members who responded to a survey concerning their assessment of their own research skills, their research training, and the major influences on their research skill and interest. Respondents reported that graduate programs contribute adequately to their skills in research design, statistics, and writing, but contribute less to their computer skills and practical research skills. Respondents, on average, felt confident about their research skills with the exception of statistical and computer skills. These perceptions were independent of sex, number of years post doctorate, graduate training department, American Psychological Association accreditation, and primary employment setting. Programs and training activities were consistently viewed as having a positive effect on research interest. Practical implications for the training program, the professional, and the profession are discussed.