The Application of Social Psychology

Abstract

These examples are typical of problems that occur in our society. Many social psychologists believe they should devote themselves to solving such problems. Kurt Lewin (1951) argued that social psychologists should take an active interest in society’s problems and strive to use the discipline for social betterment. As we mentioned in Chapter 1, during the Second World War many social psychologists devoted their research efforts to the war effort. Lewin, for example, developed techniques for convincing housewives to change their food-buying habits. Other psychologists helped to select and train undercover agents, searched for ways to reduce battle fatigue, and developed means for increasing morale among soldiers. A concern with social problems was revived in the United States during the 1960s. Protests against oppression of black citizens and opposition to the Vietnam War were at a peak, prompting social scientists to think more carefully about the ills of American society. Psychologists began to ask whether their work might change the culture in significant ways. This commitment to helping solve practical problems has continued to the present day.

The supersonic transport plane has become a commercial possibility now. The plane can be built (witness the Concorde), but if it is flown over land, everything below it will be exposed to a supersonic boom as the aircraft breaks the sound barrier. Will people tolerate this intrusion into their lives? Will they accept the sonic boom as they accept traffic noise, or will they reject the boom as intolerable?

In numerous criminal trials throughout the country, eyewitnesses give important testimony. Yet even when they are being as honest as possible, eyewitnesses testify they saw things they couldn’t possibly have seen, and didn’t see things that should have been obvious. Are there any safeguards against misreporting? Whom are we to trust, and when?

A community health center that offers low-cost medical care to the poor was built recently in a ghetto section of a major city. Excellent services were made available at considerable cost to the state. Unfortunately, few persons have made use of the center, and the investment seems wasted. Why don’t people use the center? Can anything be done to remedy this wasteful situation? Should other cities cancel plans to build similar centers?