Applied Psychology

Defining Applied Psychology

The use of psychological research and methods to better understand and improve living conditions.

Can help both animals and humans. Various fields exist with goal of improving peoples’ performance, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Educational PsychologyWork with educators to give support/advice to help meet the needs of students with special cases.

School Psychologist School Counselor Speech Pathologist

Social Psychology

Goal = Improve participation in society of people with developmental disabilities and/or trauma. Work to understand and make suggestions on how to best involve themselves in society.

Behavioral Analyst Social Worker Substance Abuse Counselor

Business PsychologyBusinesses look for ideas to improve morale, productivity, and workplace community. Psychologists can help businesses attract and keep workers.

Human Factors Engineer Human Resource Specialist Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Legal Psychology

WHY does a crime happen? Helps to not just treat victims, but to catch criminals, and treat criminals to prevent future crimes.

Forensic/Criminal Psychologist Probation Officers

Medical Psychology

Goal = Improve lives of people with different afflictions. Done through research, diagnosis, and treatment.

Occupational Therapist Therapeutic Recreation

Specialized PsychologistsInner workings of the mind are difficult to understand. Can effect humans and animals in different ways. “Writer’s block”, “slumps”, etc.

Animal Psychologist Art Therapist Music Therapist Sport Psychologist