From Behavioral Research to Data Science

Hey there,

Do you believe that data science and psychology are two fields that don't mix? Think again! In this issue, we explore five reasons why psychologists can make great data scientists.

• If you are a psychologist (or social scientist in general), those are five reasons to consider a career in data science.

• If you are leading a data science team, those are five reasons to consider hiring a psychologist (or social scientist in general) for your data science team.

As someone who holds two master's degrees, one in Data and Computer Science and one in Psychology, I can attest to the value that psychologists bring to data analyses. Here are five reasons why:

1. Skilled in experimental design

Psychologists are well-versed in experimental design and can create robust experiments with a deep understanding of controlling for extraneous variables. This skill set is perfect for A/B testing.

2. Trained in empirical research

Throughout their studies, psychologists have read a ton of experimental research papers and can spot weak validity or reliability of an experiment, then locate sources and fix the problems.

3. Unique perspective on data analysis

With a deep understanding of the mechanisms that influence human behavior, psychologists can help data scientists create better predictive models and provide valuable insights into human decision-making processes.

4. Expertise in data visualization

Psychologists have expertise in creating effective and engaging visualizations that effectively convey insights to stakeholders, making complex data easy to understand and communicate.

5. Trained in communication and conversation techniques

With skills in communication and conversation techniques, psychologists can better understand the story that data is telling and identify insights that might be missed by others. They are the perfect candidates to communicate data to stakeholders.

By combining expertise in psychology, data analysis, and data visualization, psychologists bring a unique and valuable perspective to data science.

I hope this issue has convinced you of the value that psychologists can bring to a data science team. As data becomes an increasingly important part of our lives and decision-making, it's crucial to have a diverse team with a variety of skill sets. By hiring a psychologist, you can add a unique perspective to your data science team that can help you better understand and analyze data.

If you're a psychologist interested in pursuing a career in data science or a data scientist looking to add a psychologist to your team, I encourage you to explore that angle! It's an exciting and rapidly growing field with endless opportunities for innovation and impact.

Thank you for reading! If you have any feedback or suggestions for future issues, please feel free to reach out to me.

Cheers,
Marvin 🚀