Social Psychology Of Social Problems

First published in 1964, Psychology and Social Problems looks at a changing society and research into problems of the time. Many of the themes in the book, such as delinquency, mental health and racial conflict, are still familiar and current topics of discussion today. Social scientists had carried out extensive research into problems of urgent public concern, yet their findings were not widely known or understood and they had often been diffident in advocating policies based on their conclusions. Michael Argyle discussed the recent psychological and social research bearing on the origins of aggression, delinquency, mental disorder, racial and international prejudice, and industrial discontent; he went on to consider the implications of these studies for prevention and control and for the guidance of social change. This sophisticated and well-documented critique is presented with such lucidity and verve that it will appeal equally to laymen and to students and professional workers and can now be enjoyed in its historical context.

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

Why do we protest? What compels us to participate in crowd violence? Can gender discrimination in the workplace be explained in psychological terms? From terrorist attacks to political uprisings, the social problems that have shaped the beginning of the new millenium can be explained using the theories and application of social psychology. Social Psychology of Social Problems does just that, with top international experts examining real-life issues. The book takes the view that if a problem and its origins can be understood, then perhaps it can be prevented from happening again. Social Psychology of Social Problems is required reading for students and practitioners of psychology, social policy and international relations. Provocative and challenging, it will be an essential resource for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of how social psychology can explain our complex world.

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.

`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.

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.

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.