I am a strong believer in the importance of the scientist-practitioner model for psychology. I think that training in the scientific method is a major component of what makes a person trained in psychology more employable.
In many jurisdictions, a student wanting to be registered as a psychologists is required to complete one more research theses. For example, in Australia, a student will typically complete an undergraduate fourth year thesis and a thesis as part of a larger masters or doctoral program. While it is obvious that training in research will make a student a better researcher, I have heard some people question whether completing a research thesis will make the student a better practising psychologist.
Thus, my questions are:
- What empirical research exists that has tested whether completing a research thesis in psychology makes you a better practising psychologist?
- What theoretical frameworks justify or challenge the value of completing a research thesis in terms of improving practical skills required by a psychologist?