Applied Social Psychology
Full course description
What is applied social psychology
In (social) psychology, researchers focus on 1) developing theories in the behavioural laboratory, 2) on validating those theories in the field, and 3) applying these theories to solve real life problems. There is no status difference – all three types of research are needed. But given this distinction, in this course the focus is on the third approach: systematically applying (social) psychology to 1) understanding behaviour, and 2) changing behavior by carefully planned interventions to promote quality of life.
What will be in this elective
In this elective, the core processes for developing theory-and evidence-based interventions are highlighted. Several topics in the field of applied psychology are discussed (for example socio-economic health inequities, sexual behaviours, and sustainability topics such as pro-environmental behaviours). Additionally, the student will be provided with applications of more fundamental insights (e.g., the role of reserve capacities such as psychological and social capital , or stigma), and first-hand examples of existing behaviour change programs: From problems they target and who (stakeholders) are involved, to theory and empirical evidence, to development, implementation and evaluation.
The final assessment for this course is a numerical grade between 0,0 and 10,0.
Course objectives
After this course, the student:
- knows what kind of problems are the focus of an applied psychologist (e.g., health, environment, safety, work);
- Is able to describe (and apply) the route from problem analysis to intervention development, implementation, and evaluation;
- is familiar with the causal logic of real life problems and solutions;
- is familiar with often used models and protocols of planned behaviour change;
- is acquainted with examples of successful interventions;
- acknowledges the relation between fundamental and applied psychology.