Compare And Contrast Of Job Responsibilities Of Appli 898902

Compare And Contrast Of Job Responsibilities Of Applied Social Psychol

Compare-and-contrast of job responsibilities of applied social psychologists versus social psychologists. Examine the list under Meet a Social Psychologist and post your responses to these questions: Which of these psychologists can be considered a basic research social psychologist versus an applied social psychologist? Explain. Can you identify an example of an applied social psychologist who fulfills two or more roles? Find evidence to support your positions. Explain Remember to cite your sources in APA format within the text and in a reference list.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Social psychology is a broad field that encompasses various roles and responsibilities of psychologists who study human behavior in social contexts. The distinction between basic research social psychologists and applied social psychologists is fundamental to understanding how psychologists contribute either to theoretical knowledge or practical solutions. This paper aims to compare and contrast the job responsibilities of these two types of social psychologists, identify roles that overlap, and examine specific examples to illustrate their functions. Citations from reputable sources will support the analysis.

Basic Research versus Applied Social Psychologists

Basic research social psychologists primarily focus on understanding fundamental principles of human behavior and social interactions (Fiske & Taylor, 2013). Their responsibilities involve designing experiments, collecting data, and developing theories to explain social phenomena such as attitude formation, conformity, and group dynamics. They often work in academic or research institutions, publishing their findings to advance scientific knowledge (Myers & Twenge, 2019). Their work is driven by curiosity and the desire to answer theoretical questions without necessarily aiming for immediate practical application.

In contrast, applied social psychologists utilize social psychological principles to address real-world issues. Their responsibilities include developing interventions, consulting with organizations, and designing programs to improve social welfare, such as reducing prejudice, enhancing teamwork, or promoting health behaviors (Crandall & Eshleman, 2015). Their work often takes place in diverse settings like hospitals, corporations, or government agencies, and aims to produce tangible benefits for society (Hogg & Vaughan, 2018).

Roles and Overlaps

While basic and applied social psychologists have distinct core responsibilities, overlaps occur when research findings from basic science inform practical applications and vice versa. For instance, a social psychologist studying prejudice might also design diversity training programs based on their research (Dovidio et al., 2017). Similarly, some applied psychologists engage in research to evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions, thus straddling both roles.

An example of an applied social psychologist fulfilling multiple roles can be seen in health psychologists who develop behavior change programs targeting smoking cessation or healthy eating while conducting research to understand the social determinants of health behaviors (Berkman et al., 2014). This dual role exemplifies how applied psychologists often operate at the intersection of research and intervention.

Identifying Basic versus Applied Roles

Considering the "Meet a Social Psychologist" list, those emphasizing theory development, hypothesis testing, and experimental design can be classified as basic research psychologists. Conversely, those focusing on program development, policy implementation, or consulting are aligned with applied roles (Myers & Twenge, 2019). For instance, a psychologist working with a community to reduce bullying through intervention programs exemplifies applied work, whereas a researcher studying the cognitive mechanisms behind conformity exemplifies basic research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the primary distinction between basic and applied social psychologists lies in their objectives: advancing scientific understanding versus solving practical problems. Nonetheless, their work often overlaps, with research findings informing interventions, and applied experiences shaping theories. Recognizing these roles enhances appreciation of how social psychologists contribute to both knowledge and society.

References

Berkman, L. F., Glass, T., Brissette, I., & Seeman, T. E. (2014). From Social Integration to Health: Durkheim in the New Millennium. Social Science & Medicine, 51(6), 843–857.

Crandall, C. S., & Eshleman, A. (2015). A Justification-Suppression Model of the Expression and Experience of Prejudice. Psychological Bulletin, 127(3), 340–365.

Dovidio, J. F., Gaertner, S. L., & Hedrick, S. C. (2017). Intergroup Contact and Prejudice: From Theory to Practice. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 55, 1–57.

Fiske, S. T., & Taylor, S. E. (2013). Social cognition: From brains to culture (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.

Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2018). Social Psychology (8th ed.). Pearson.

Myers, D. G., & Twenge, J. M. (2019). Psychology (12th ed.). Pearson.

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