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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here. Our family is beyond proud of her!

She is the first doctor in our family so I will brag  about it!

I did heed your advice and will NOT say she’s a scientist.

Social scientist maybe or educational researcher

[/quote]

Oh dear. Here we go again. She is also not a doctor
Please try not to appear so desperate [/quote]

She IS a doctor. Her title earned is Dr. /will sign her name :
Dr.  Jane Smith, PhD

[/quote]

Oh OP.  No she will not sign her name Dr. Jane Smith, PhD.  She should sign her name Jane Smith, PhD.  People may address her as Dr. Jane Smith.  But it's redundant to list both in the same title.

I feel bad for piling on OP.  I'm assuming you probably didn't go to college, and it's not your fault you aren't aware of the nuances of advanced education.[/quote]

Another psychologist here with a Ph.D. and rigorous research training.  I never refer to myself as "a doctor."  Yes in formal work meetings (research setting) people may reference me as "Dr. Smith," but that's different, as when you say "I'm a doctor" people presume physician.  (My spouse is an M.D. and we banter about this, but it's separate from the common understanding of the term.)

Relatedly, I also don't refer to myself as "a scientist."  Yes, many psychologists who work in academia and primarily do research may refer to themselves as "psychological scientists," but not just "scientists," since here again, people presume a "hard" science, like someone who works in a lab.

These differences may sound subtle, but they're there.

I do think it's great how proud of your sister you are, OP!  I think just a few clarifications will prevent misunderstandings.[/quote]

My spouse has a PhD in sociology.  He NEVER refers to himself as "doctor."  (His European colleagues do sometimes, but never Americans.)  He also does not refer to himself as a "scientist."  A research sociologist would be referred to as a "social scientist."  And using both "Dr." and "PhD" is incorrect.

It's great to be proud, but you'll look silly if you don't know the correct forms, and piling on honorifics and titles that don't really apply will totally undercut any good impression.    [/quote]

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