ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter offers an historical overview of the origins and achievements of applying social psychology to solve real-world problems. The close interdependence between theoretical and applied research is reviewed with a focus on elucidating the dialectical interaction between theory formulation and real-life applications. Next, a brief overview of the ideological and institutional origins of applied social psychology are discussed. The chapter also looks at some of the most important ideological biases, false assumptions, and epistemological problems that have hindered the progress of applied social psychology in the past. Finally, the contents of the book are organized into four sections dealing with (1) general conceptual and methodological issues of applications of social psychology; (2) research on improving individual adjustment and well-being; (3) research promoting interpersonal relations and communication; and (4) research on understanding public affairs and political behavior.
