APPLICATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Whereas basic researchers test theories about mind and behavior, applied psychologists are motivated by a desire to solve practical human problems. Four particularly active areas of application are health, education, business, and law.

HEALTH

Today, many psychologists work in the emerging area of health psychology. Many of them study psychophysiological disorders (also called psychosomatic disorders), conditions that are brought on or influenced by psychological states, most often stress. Health psychologists also study how people cope with stress. Other researchers in this field examine the psychological factors that underlie lots of behaviors harmful to health.

EDUCATION

Psychologists in all branches of the discipline contribute to our understanding of teaching, learning, and education.

Two fields within psychology focus exclusively on education: educational psychology and school psychology. Educational psychologists seek to understand and improve the teaching and learning process within the classroom and other educational settings. Educational psychologists study topics such as intelligence and ability testing, student motivation, discipline and classroom management, curriculum plans, and grading.

BUSINESS

In the business world, psychology is applied in the workplace and in the marketplace. Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology focuses on human behavior in the workplace and other organizations. Many I-O psychologists study the factors that influence worker motivation, satisfaction, and productivity.

Consumer psychology is the study of human decision making and behavior in the marketplace. In this area, researchers analyze the effects of advertising on consumers’ attitudes and buying habits. Consumer psychologists also study various aspects of marketing.

LAW

Many psychologists today work in the legal system. They consult with attorneys, testify in court as expert witnesses, counsel prisoners, teach in law schools, and research various justice-related issues.

Studies in forensic psychology have helped to illuminate weaknesses in the legal system. Psychologists in this area often testify in court as expert witnesses. In cases involving the insanity defense, forensic clinical psychologists are often called to court to give their opinion about whether individual defendants are sane or insane. 

OTHER DOMAINS OF APPLICATION

Psychology has applications in many other domains of human life. Environmental psychologists focus on the relationship between people and their physical surroundings. In a related field, human factors psychologists work on the design of appliances, furniture, tools, and other manufactured items in order to maximize their comfort, safety, and convenience. Sports psychologists advise athletes and study the physiological, perceptual-motor, motivational, developmental, and social aspects of athletic performance. Other psychologists specialize in the study of political behavior, religion, sexuality, or behavior in the military.