As you have gathered in the previous weeks, social psychological insight is relevant to many fields. Some branches of social psychology are specifically focused on application.  In this discussion, we will consider practical applications beyond the scope of previous material.

To inform your thinking on this topic, begin by perusing The Stanford SPARQ Solutions Catalog (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..  Consider the recommended readings to gain additional insight regarding systematic application of social psychology to various fields. 

Then, select an applied branch of social psychology:  psychology and law/forensic psychology, military psychology, health psychology, environmental psychology, etc.  Locate a peer-reviewed, empirical article (i.e., an article that describes a research study, not merely a theoretical review) written from your chosen field.  Summarize the theoretical background of the issue at hand and describe research methods used to investigate this phenomenon.  Explain the social variables that contribute to the thoughts, feelings, or actions under review.   Generate potential applications for the insight gleaned from the article you reviewed, and interpret application of social psychological insight to specific careers in this field.

Your initial post should be 500-1000 words in length and must contain a minimum of one scholarly, peer-reviewed reference, in addition to required course resources as applicable.  Additional credible references are encouraged.

Guided Response: Respond to at least two of your classmates by Day 5 to stimulate more meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum. In addition, respond to classmates (and/or the instructor, if applicable) who replied to your initial post by Day 7.  Your responses must demonstrate a sophisticated understanding or application of the concepts covered in Week 5.

At least two of your responses should be a minimum of 150 words each.

The following general suggestions may be useful as you craft your replies: Ask clarifying or thought provoking questions. Provide personal or professional examples that further      illustrate relevant social psychological concepts identified in your      classmate’s post. Supply additional information that might influence your      classmate’s interpretation. For example, recommend resources that further      support their position or identify possible alternative explanations. Relate the content in your classmate’s post to that of      your own or another classmate’s initial contribution to this discussion.