Applying Social Psychology

`I think this is a wonderful book. The social psychological theories are exceptionally well presented for practical use. Anyone studying social psychology will find this book extremely relevant and accessible' - Gerjo Kok, Professor of Applied Psychology, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University `This is a highly readable book dealing with an exciting topic, applied social psychology, which is at the heart of many urgent problems of the new millennium. It is well suited for curing the disease of those who still believe there is an opposition between fundamental and applied research, between theories and practice. The major asset of this volume lies in the originality and strength of the PATH concept -- from problem definition, over analysis, and test, to helping. I like the idea to implement and institutionalize this framework in teaching and in education' - Klaus Fiedler, University of Heidelberg Introducing a new methodological approach for doing applied psychology, the PATH model, this book offers a simple, systematic, step-by-step, easy-to-use methodology for applying primarily social psychological theory to a wide range of social problems, from tackling crime and prejudice to fostering environmental conservation and team performance. It helps and guides students to define a problem, conduct a theory-based analysis, develop an explanatory model, set up and execute a research project to test the model, and develop an intervention. Applying Social Psychology is a highly practical text, which can be used by introductory and advanced level students who want to learn how to analyze practical problems and develop solutions for these problems based upon social psychological theory and research. Written in an engaging and accessible way, this book offers: 1. A new methodological model put forward by the authors (PATH model); 2. Real world case studies; 3. End of chapter exercises; 4. Interviews with leading social psychologists; 5.Glossary of key theories and concepts in social psychology; 6. Recommended further reading.

Are you hoping to apply what you’ve learnt in your studies to real world problems? Are you wondering how your work might make a difference? This book offers a model to ensure that your application of theoretical social psychology stands the best chance of success. Follow the PATHS model help you develop your intervention, test it, action it, and evaluate it. Each chapter focuses on a step in the model and is built around a real world example. Full of practical advice, each chapter also has an assignment to help you think through your plans and check you’ve covered all bases. Essential reading for anyone applying social psychology to real world practices and events.

Applied social psychology combines the science of social psychology with the practical application of solving social problems that exist in the real world. This exciting textbook provides a thorough explanation of how social psychologists can contribute to the understanding and management of different social problems. A highly prestigious team of contributors from across Europe and the United States illustrate how social psychological theories, research methods and intervention techniques can be successfully applied to social problems encountered in the fields of physical and mental health, integration and immigration issues, gender issues, organizational issues, economic behaviour, political behaviour, environmental behaviour and education. Each field studied features an overview of important problems, the role of human behaviour in these problems, the factors influencing relevant behaviour, and effective ways to change this behaviour. This is an essential volume for all undergraduate and graduate students studying applied social psychology.

Originally published in 1975, these contributions surveyed the range of social intervention technology available to psychologists at the time, but they are more than a simple cataloguing of technology. The stress is on articulating certain metatheoretical assumptions that underlie different strategies of social intervention. For example, assumptions about the personal agency, the nature of social systems, and levels and forms of interpersonal influences are all examined. The implications for the training of psychologists are developed, and specific attention is given to the identity crisis in social psychology precipitated by existing pressures and potentials for change at the time.

An introduction to how social psychological theories, methods and interventions can be applied to manage real-world social problems.

This student-friendly introduction to the field focuses on understanding social and practical problems and developing intervention strategies to address them. Offering a balance of theory, research, and application, the updated Third Edition includes the latest research, as well as new, detailed examples of qualitative research throughout. The book begins with separate chapters that define the field, examine social psychological theory, review research methods, and consider the design and evaluation of interventions. Subsequent content chapters focus on the application of social psychological theory and knowledge to such areas as counseling, sports, media, health, education, organizations, criminal justice, community, environment, and diversity.

In the present epoch of global change, movement, interconnection and the intensification of social issues within and across many societies, applied social psychology is more relevant than ever. The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Psychology offers an overview of the field and the disparate and evolving approaches. Through an international team of contributors, the handbook brings prominent research literature together and organises it around ten key areas: Part 01: Culture, race, indigeneity Part 02: Gender & Sexuality Part 03: Politics Part 04: Health and mental health Part 05: Work Part 06: Ageing Part 07: Communication Part 08: Education Part 09: Environment Part 10: Criminal Justice, Law, & Crime This handbook is a uniting and invigorating resource for the field of Applied Social Psychology.

Many authors have argued that applying social psychology to the solution of real world problems builds better theories. Observers have claimed, for example, that of human behavior applied social psychology reveals more accurate principles because its data are based on people in real-life circumstances (Helmreich, 1975; Saxe & Fine, 1980), provides an opportunity to assess the ecological validity of generalizations derived from laboratory research (Ellsworth, 1977; Leventhal, 1980), and discloses important gaps in existing theories (Fisher, 1982; Mayo & LaFrance, 1980). Undoubtedly, many concrete examples can be mustered in support of these claims. But it also can be argued that applying social psychology to social issues and problems builds better research methods. Special methodological problems arise and new perspectives on old methodological problems emerge when re searchers leave the laboratory and tackle social problems in real-world settings. Along the way, we not only improve existing research techniques but also devel op new research tools, all of which enhance our ability to obtain valid results and thereby to understand and solve socially relevant problems. Indeed, Campbell and Stanley's (1966) seminal work on validity in research design grew out of the application of social science in field settings. In this spirit, the principal aim of this volume is to present examples of methodological advances being made as researchers apply social psychology in real-life settings.