Paul Follows I suspect because it’s a fascinating field, it has many entrants. So they go through all the schooling, get the PhD and then what?
They have to make their mark.
People interested in labwork will eventually get their labwork.
But what if they get into it to have a direct impact on lots of people?
Psychology doesn’t really offer that. Neuroscience gives you a few tips but we really don’t know actual CAUSATION, just that these things happen.
So, some go the route of the snake-oil. Write the books. Give the seminars. Get on TV. Become the Expert. Testify in Court Cases.
Get the accolades and, if you’re not otherwise evil about it (beyond the inherent snake-oil evil), it might help some people along the way.
Maddening and yet, what do you do with that PhD?