Applications

 As you have gathered in the previous weeks, social psychological insight is relevant to many fields. Some branches of social psychology are specifically focused on application.  In this discussion, we will consider practical applications beyond the scope of previous material.

To inform your thinking on this topic, begin by perusing The Stanford SPARQ Solutions Catalog (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..  Consider the recommended readings to gain additional insight regarding systematic application of social psychology to various fields. 

Then, select an applied branch of social psychology:  psychology and law/forensic psychology, military psychology, health psychology, environmental psychology, etc.  Locate a peer-reviewed, empirical article (i.e., an article that describes a research study, not merely a theoretical review) written from your chosen field.  Summarize the theoretical background of the issue at hand and describe research methods used to investigate this phenomenon.  Explain the social variables that contribute to the thoughts, feelings, or actions under review.   Generate potential applications for the insight gleaned from the article you reviewed, and interpret application of social psychological insight to specific careers in this field.

Your initial post should be 500-1000 words in length and must contain a minimum of one scholarly, peer-reviewed reference, in addition to required course resources as applicable.  Additional credible references are encouraged.