CONCEPTIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY CONSTRUCTED BY STUDENTS ENTERING AND COMPLETING THE PSYCHOLOGY COURSE AT PUC MINAS PRAÇA DA LIBERDADE UNIT: AN ANALYSIS

Abstract

The conceptions about Psychology as a science and profession are diverse, especially among those who are entering or leaving the course. The intention of this article is to present some analyzes identified through research carried out with students entering and completing the Psychology course at PUC Minas Unit Praça da Liberdade. Quantitative research was carried out using some information about the understanding of the course and psychological science itself. To support the research, we sought to present how the psychologist's identity was historically constituted in Brazil, recognizing the contributions of classical approaches, going through the guidelines that guide the training basis of the course in the country. From an institutional point of view, the pedagogical proposal for teaching in Psychology at PUC Minas Unit Praça da Liberdade and its generalist proposal are presented, aiming at the practice of expanded teaching. Presenting the data collected in the research and also the analysis of the results obtained, evident links were established between what was found in the theoretical framework and the students’ responses. The research showed, finally, that students perceive that the university offers an increasingly broad and comprehensive curriculum covering all areas of Psychology, but it is noticeable that new entrants already begin their journey in the course bringing with them the conceptions best known about the classical approaches to Psychology.