Psychology in Latin America: The Case of Brazil

Abstract

Psychology in Brazil is strongly oriented towards applications. University studies comprise training in both research and applications, but most students seek degrees with interests in applied psychology. Research may be basic or applied, but few researchers take advantage of the peculiarities of Brazilian culture to design their investigations. Significant contribu tions have been made in the study of reinforcement principles, animal behaviour, develop mental psychology and cross-cultural comparisons. Educational issues provide the ground for rich interdisciplinary cooperation, with research on reading, mathematics learning, and socialisation receiving inputs from several sciences including psychology.