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.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues' postings.

Respond by Day 5 to at least one of your colleagues' postings in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question.

Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.

Offer and support an opinion.

Validate an idea with your own experience.

Make a suggestion.

Expand on your colleague's posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting.

Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.