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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.
List of contents
1. Introduction to applied social psychology Linda Steg and Talib Rothengatter; 2. The use 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 Alexander 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.
About the author
Linda Steg is Professor of Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen.Kees Keizer is Assistant Professor of Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen.Abraham P. Buunk is Professor of Evolutionary Social Psychology at the University of Groningen and Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology at the University of Curacao.Talib Rothengatter was Professor of Applied Psychology at the University of Groningen.
Summary
This introduction to applied social psychology explores how theories, methods and interventions can be applied to manage real-world social problems. Each chapter features a glossary, review questions and suggestions for further reading, providing an essential resource for students of applied social psychology.
Report
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
