1: 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.
2: Applied Social Psychology and the Work Environment
Employee satisfaction is the product of many factors, some directly related to the work situation and some related to the individual's personal qualities or characteristics. This week, you examine social cognitive theory and social identity theory as applied to the work environment and employee satisfaction.
For this Discussion, review the media titled Week 12: The Virtual Office,and evaluate the job satisfaction rates of the people in the media.
Then consider the social cognitive factors that might affect their job satisfaction.
Post by Day 4 a brief description of the employees with high job satisfaction and employees with low job satisfaction. Explain the reasons for their satisfaction beyond the score. Then explain how non-work-related social cognitive factors might have influenced employee satisfaction for two of the employees. Finally, explain two areas in which a consultant might use social psychology to maintain or improve work satisfaction. Be specific and support your responses with the Learning Resources and the current literature.