Applied social psychology

Applied social psychology is a field unto itself and provides researchers with a direct connection between academic social psychology and their desire to have an impact on social change. Social psychology is a highly applicable field, and social psychological research influences such areas as: consumer behavior, immigration, cultural diversity, education, the environment, organizational functioning, health/mental health, and politics, to name a few (Steg, Buunk, & Rothengatter, 2008).

For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources. Think about how you might use applied social psychology in your field of interest and ways in which to have an impact on social change.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief definition of applied social psychology. Then explain how you might apply one element of applied social psychology in your field of interest. Finally, explain one way using applied social psychology in your field of interest may affect social change.

READINGS

Book Excerpt: Steg, L., & Rothengatter, T. (2008). Introduction to applied social psychology. In Steg, L., Buunk, A. P., & Rothengatter, T. (Eds.), Applied social psychology: Understanding and managing social problems (pp. 1–27). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Copyright 2008 by Cambridge University Press – US – Books. Reprinted by permission of Cambridge University Press – US – Books via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Book Excerpt: Van Der Zee, K., & Paulus, P. (2008). Social psychology and modern organizations: Balancing between innovativeness and comfort. In Steg, L., Buunk, A. P., & Rothengatter, T. (Eds.), Applied social psychology: Understanding and managing social problems (pp. 271–290). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Copyright 2008 by Cambridge University Press – US – Books. Reprinted by permission of Cambridge University Press – US – Books via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Article: Lent, R. W., & Brown, S. D. (2008). Social cognitive career theory and subjective well-being in the context of work. Journal of Career Assessment, 16(1), 6–21.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Article: Verbruggen, M. & Sels, L. (2010). Social-cognitive factors affecting clients’ career and life satisfaction after counseling. Journal of Career Assessment, 18(1), 3–15.
Retrieved from the Walden library databases.

MEDIA

Animation: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Week 11: The virtual office.Baltimore, MD: Author.

Transcript

vanderzee_ch12 psyc