Running head: PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 1

Smarthinking Tutor Response Form

Your tutor has written overview comments about your essay in the form below. Your tutor has
also embedded comments [in bold and in brackets] within your essay. Thank you for
choosing Smarthinking to help you improve your writing!

Hello, Amy! My name is Angela B. I look forward to working with you on this Essay Center
Review to improve your writing today. Let's get started!

*Writing Strength:
Your draft contains a clear insight on what you want to achieve in the future:

At this stage I can open my own practice, teach and continue my work at the hospital,
hopefully with the ability to continue my research and make more advanced strides in
the field of psychology.

This allows your readers to understand what you want to achieve as a practitioner-scholar in
psychology. Good job and good luck to you, Amy!

Main Idea/Thesis
Your thesis statement does not precisely relate your goals and vision to your ultimate
dream of becoming a practitioner-scholar:
For the purpose of this paper and summary of my goals and vision, I am focusing
on the ideas of environmental influences being the prime ascendancy to human
behavior.
In your essay, you talk mention where these goals and your vision leads to. However, you
do not mention this in your thesis statement. This might leave your readers unprepared
for the rest of your essay; they might not know what these goals lead to.
What are these goals and your vision for? What do you want to achieve in the end?
Consider being more specific in your thesis statement. In it, you might want to identify the
specific topics that you cover in your essay. It might help to go over your essay again to
take note of those topics. Afterwards, you might want to integrate these into your thesis
statement. Take a look at this sample thesis statement for a similar essay:

Good moral decisions leading to good moral character is a result of a life of

spirituality, good self-awareness, and mature knowledge.

This sample thesis statement identifies how good moral decisions lead to good moral
character; it also enumerates the ways on how to achieve good moral character. Consider
using it as a model for when you revise your own. If you need more help, you might also want
to read the chapter on Developing a Thesis from the Smarthinking Writer's Handbook.

* 9775270 has requested that you respond to the Content Development:

I am concerned about some of your points that are underdeveloped, Amy. This issue may
leave unanswered questions in your readers heads regarding why you consider Freud as a
person that most people would be familiar with.

A well-developed idea leaves the reader feeling that the information given is thorough and
complete. One good way to develop ideas is through making a point, providing an example,
and explaining how that point relates to your thesis. Consider following this framework
whenever you develop your ideas:

P: Make a point: This is a name that individuals from all backgrounds of life have
come to recognize
PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 2

I: Illustrate the point: What exactly about Sigmund Freud made him familiar to people
from all walks of life? Which of his concepts are known by many people?

E: Explain how this point relates to the thesis.

* 9775270 has requested that you respond to the Grammar & Mechanics:
Ive noticed that some of your sentences are missing commas. Using commas to separate
words and ideas is important because it allows your readers to have a smooth reading
experience. Failure to use commas when needed can cause confusion. Take a look at this
excerpt from your draft:

In order to describe these accurately it is also relevant to discuss the passions and
interests that led me to a commitment in the field of psychology. . .

Words, phrases, and clauses placed before the main clause of a sentence are known as
introductory elements. Most often, these introductory elements tell when, where, why, or how
the action occurred. A comma shows readers that the introductory element has ended and the
main sentence follows. So you may understand the revision need better, I have created a
parallel example below:

Before I process this request, I need you to fill out this form.

Please check your draft for similar errors. You may read more about Commas in your
Smarthinking Writers Handbook.

Summary of Next Steps:

Create a concise thesis statement.
Develop your ideas well.
Separate introductory elements from the main sentence by using commas.

Thank you for submitting your essay for a review. I enjoyed helping you with this step in the
revision process. Have a good day, Amy! Angela B.

You can find more information about writing, grammar, and usage in the Smarthinking
Writer's Handbook.

___________________________________________________________________________

Please look for comments [in bold and in brackets] in your essay below.
Thank you for submitting your work to Smarthinking! We hope to see you again soon.

What it Means to be a Psychology Practitioner-Scholar

PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 3

And the Vision Required to Obtain Such Title

Amy J Gutowski

Capella University
PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 4

Abstract

This paper will give meaning to the title Psychology Practitioner-Scholar, what is required to

maintain this title and an overview of the vision represented by the achievements of such an

individual. The McClintock's Scholar-Practitioner Model will be referenced in regards to a

guide of standards in education, knowledge and attributes for obtaining this scholarly

position. My personal vision and goals will be compared to these standards and an

appropriate educational plan will comprise the necessary attributes for pursuing and

obtaining my career goals. I will describe in detail the manner in which I am currently

being directed for a successful career. These details include, but are not limited to,

possible research ideas and clinical practice. In order to describe these accurately it is

also relevant to discuss the passions and interests that led me to a commitment in the field

of psychology, how I would like to make a positive impact on my future patients and

further psychological advancements through research.

PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 5

What it Means to be a Psychology Practitioner-Scholar

And the Vision Required to Obtain Such Title

Introduction

My interpretation of psychology revolves around the idea that human behavior

occurs from our environmental circumstances, creating and molding our present

personality and characteristics. This idea does not represent the individuals that appear to

have mental disorders at birth. For the purpose of this paper and summary of my goals

and vision, I am focusing on the ideas of environmental influences being the prime

ascendancy to human behavior.

My love and desire for psychology originates from a personal perspective and

relates to experiences that I have been subjected to of myself and witnessed of others.

My work experience does not justify this aspiration but my love for humanity and the

opportunity to see others achieve a life of health and fulfillment drive my ambitions to

the field of psychology. A career allowing for me to research different methods and

techniques to better serve individuals suffering from mental illness requiring hospital

stays is a prime focus for furthering my education into the doctoral level.

Many of the current theories presented by Freud, Erikson, Frankl and others have

had an extensive influence on my career decision. I have found extremely important

aspects to many of the theories, combined, these attributes form a very compelling

method of therapy.

Sigmund Freud can very well be known as the godfather of psychology. This is a

name that individuals from all backgrounds of life have come to recognize. Freud
PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 6

established his theory based on his personal experiences as a child and devoted much of

his life to forming this theory, which other psychologist have accepted as a foundation to

all other theories. There are ideas that Freud conceived to be impractical but some of the

aspects that remain to be of a good basis are ideas representing his thoughts on the

consciousness, unconscious and the role that each plays in our current behavior. I have

also found his research on ego-defense mechanisms of excellent quality, representing the

behaviors associated with feelings that may cause a negative impact on the patient

(Corey, 2015).

I am very fond of the work that Erik Erikson accomplished with his

embellishment to Freuds original psychosexual stages (Corey, 2015). [How exactly

does this accurately reflect the contents of this paragraph about how you are able to

apply this theory to your practice? Quotes should be used as additional information

that can support your topic sentence, Amy. In this case, this paragraph seems to

focus more on how you are able to apply Eriksons theory to the cases you are

handling. Consider using quotes as supporting details instead of using them as topic

sentences.] Erikson took the basic concept of Freuds developmental stages and added

with more detail the idea of continual learning throughout life. I feel this to be of

significance to the understanding of current circumstances regarding the patient.

Viktor Frankl is another great psychologist that has contributed significant

knowledge for furthering the field of psychology. His work has produced a therapeutic

method that is grounded on the ideas of choice and free will. Despite the circumstances

that we endured in our past, it is firmly believed that we are accountable for our actions

and become the person that we want to be (Corey, 2015).

PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 7

These are only a few of the many great psychologists that have set the stage for

what I consider to be the start of my educational journey. There are many more aspects

that have influenced my decision of obtaining my degree in psychology. Some of these

are purely of a personal nature and some are of an inward calling, but the theories that are

presently known have sealed the deal for my commitment to this field and becoming a

practitioner-scholar.

Role as a Practitioner-Scholar

The role of practitioner-scholar involves the ability to comprehend statistical data

for research, teaching and clinical practice. An individual is required to make an

extensive time commitment to acquiring the necessary education and research knowledge

for making a positive contribution in the field of psychology. In relation to McClintocks

Scholar Practitioner Model and Capellas Learning Model I have found that Capellas

Learning Model speaks of practitioner-scholar in terms of a masters level education.

[What about it makes it appropriate for masters level education? Illustrate an

example to prove your point. Make sure that you are able to relate this point to the

thesis.] McClintock on the other hand expresses practitioner-scholar in terms of obtaining

a PsyD or EdD, focusing on practice vs theoretical. McClintock also references the idea

of a scholar-practitioner as having a PhD, resembling a theoretical background

(McClintock, 2004). This idea differs a bit from Capellas Learning Model in which

Capella seems to associate scholar-practitioner as being a student of doctoral level

without making any distinctions between PhD, PsyD and EdD (Capella, 2003).

As a student at Capella University I feel it to be important to understand what is

expected of me through the universities learning model. [ This sentence contains an

PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 8

introductory element that isnt separated from the main sentence. Use commas to

separate them from each other. (e.g. As a parent, I find this incident very bothering.)]

It represents the knowledge and level of understanding that is required throughout the

educational process. As I follow the conditions set forth from this model the objective of

becoming a practitioner-scholar will be obtained and the title implemented for further

education in obtaining my PsyD and presenting myself as a scholar-practitioner.

Vision

My vision to eventually become a scholar-practitioner, in accordance to Capellas

Learning Model, involves the step of first becoming a practitioner-scholar. At this level I

plan on obtaining an adjunct teaching position at the local technical college and work

with a nearby mental illness facility, while obtaining my PsyD. I wish to work with

individuals that suffer from more extreme cases of mental illness. As I work through my

doctoral degree my research focus will be on new theories and methods to help these

individuals obtain lives of fulfillment and the ability to be productive members of the

community.

Goals

As I proceed through my masters degree I will relate the knowledge presented by

the current class, of which I will be attending, with my life experiences. This will give

me a thorough understanding of the subject and how I can relate to the lessons. My

papers will incorporate my understanding of the subject and correlate it with the

knowledge that I have already acquired form resources outside of a formal educational
PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 9

system. I wish to obtain my Masters in Psychology with a specialization in research

within 3 years. At the end of this time frame I will have an admirable education to

further my knowledge and procure a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, allowing for licensure

in the state of Wisconsin.

My PsyD will be obtained in 5 years time. During this portion of my education I

will use my masters degree to teach psychology at a local technical college and work at a

local mental facility gathering valuable experience to enhance my research objectives.

These objectives include new theories and methods of treatment involving more serious

illnesses that justify extended hospital stays. It is my goal to see my patients walk out of

the hospital with the ability to maintain lives of peace and happiness.

After achieving my educational goal of PsyD I will take the necessary steps to

become a licensed psychologist. At this stage I can open my own practice, teach and

continue my work at the hospital, hopefully with the ability to continue my research and

make more advanced strides in the field of psychology.

Conclusion

There have been many influences on my decision to become a psychologist.

Some of these influences have been conceived from the basic understanding of human

behavior represented by well-known theorists and practitioners but much of my

motivation comes from my love of people. The ability to help others achieve a wonderful

life as I have found myself to be blessed with is an opportunity that makes life worth

living.

With proper and achievable goals set as a solid foundation, along with a

supportive educational environment the vision for my future will become reality. Taking
PSYCHOLOGY PRACTIONER-SCHOLAR 10

one step at a time and setting the standards for myself high will give me every tool I need

to make my dreams of owning a clinical practice and working with individuals with

severe illnesss attainable.

In order to make this happen I will incorporate Capellas Learning Model and do

what is expected of me from each class. My goal is to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or greater,

incorporate my personal experiences to correlate with current lessons, document my

knowledge in scholarly quality writing assignments, obtain field experience, research my

theoretical ideas and methods and be a productive student in the discussion forum.

References

Capella University. (2003). Capella University's scholar-practitioner educational

philosophy [White paper].

Corey, G. (2015). California State University, Fullerton (10th ed., Student). Boston, MA:

Cengage.

McClintock, C. (2004). Scholar practitioner model. In A. DiStefano, K. E. Rudestam, &

R. J. Silverman (Eds.), Encyclopedia of distributed learning (pp. 394397).

Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.