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 problems encountered in the fields of physical and mental health, immigration and integration, economic behaviour, political behaviour, environmental behaviour, organisations and the classroom. This expanded edition also features new chapters on the dynamic fields of consumer behaviour, traffic behaviour, criminal behaviour, sport and development aid. 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.
• Provides a general introduction to social psychological theories, intervention techniques and research methods and how these can be used to solve different social problems • Illustrated with comical cartoons to demonstrate key concepts • All chapters conclude with a glossary, review questions and suggestions for further reading • The second edition includes new chapters on prominent social issues, including consumer behaviour, traffic and transport behaviour, criminal behaviour, sport, organisational behaviour and developing countries
Contents
1. Introduction to applied social psychology Linda Steg and Talib Rothengatter; 2. The U.S.E. of theory in applied social psychology Mica Estrada and P. Wesley Schultz; 3. Applications of social psychology to increase the impact of behaviour-focused intervention Philip K. Lehman, E. Scott Geller and Jan Willem Bolderdijk; 4. The dilemmatics approach to applied research design: a case study of violent video game effects and aggression Melissa Burkley and Hart Blanton; 5. The social psychology of consumer behaviour Wolfgang Stroebe and Kees Keizer; 6. Social psychology and development aid Nina Hansen; 7. Social psychology and economic behaviour: heuristics and biases in decision making and judgement W. Fred van Raaij; 8. Applying social psychology to the classroom Pascal Huguet and Hans Kuyper; 9. Social psychology and environmental problems Linda Steg and Robert Gifford; 10. Social psychology of health and illness Arie Dijkstra and Alexanders Rothman; 11. Social psychology and immigration: relations between immigrants and host societies Jan Pieter van Oudenhoven, Charles Judd and Colleen Ward; 12. Social psychology and mental health Pieternel Dijkstra and Abraham P. Buunk; 13. Explaining crime over the life-course Arjan Blokland; 14. The social psychology of organisations Dick de Gilder and Naomi Ellemers; 15. Social psychology and political behaviour Martin Rosema and Bert N. Bakker; 16. Social sport and exercise psychology Remco Polman, Erika Borkoles and Xavier Sanchez; 17. Social psychology and driving behaviour Ayça Berfu Ünal and Bryan E. Porter.
Reviews
Advance praise: 'This is a unique textbook applying theories in social psychology to real-life social contexts. The applications are explained well in relation to why theories are important to use when addressing social problems and how applications can contribute to further developing our theoretical understanding in social psychology. The combination of theories and practice makes it the perfect book for students in undergraduate and graduate programs interested in understanding and managing social problems.' Judith de Groot, University of Bath
Advance praise: 'A wonderful blend of research and application, Applied Social Psychology uses both explanation and intervention to connect social psychological theory to real-life situations. And written by researchers from around the world, the textbook benefits from not having a particular cultural bias and as such is a great teaching tool.' Brian F. Redmond, Pennsylvania State University
Advance praise: 'From understanding crime and health to environmental and organizational behavior, Applied Social Psychology is a required text for students and practitioners of social psychology and public policy. The book is innovating and challenging, containing up-to-date research overviews combined with promising interventions from leading scholars. It is an essential resource for people who seek to better understand social problems and solve them using insights from social psychological science.' Mark van Vugt, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
