Applied psychology

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What is an applied psychologist

• someone who applies psychology to real world problems in order to solve them

  or

• someone who aims to produce change in human behaviour or experience through using psychological principles/theory

What are the four main skills of an applied psychologist

• to be able to competently use the scientific method

• to work as a practitioner-scientist

• to practice within a framework of evidence-based practice

• to practice ethically

What does it mean ‘to be able to competency use the scientific method’

• observation

• hypothesis generation

• hypothesis testing

• good research designs

• results

• interpretation

What does it mean ‘to work as a practitioner-scientist’

• as a practitioner:

  • empirical evidence should influence and inform their practice

  • their knowledge of psychology will be drawn upon to within their clinical work

• as a scientist:

  • experiences and observations during applied practice helps to shape their future research investigations/questions

What does it mean ‘to practice within a framework of evidence-based practice’

• an interdisciplinary approach to clinical practice which spread to psychology

• research is utilise to ensure best forms of patient care

  • whether and why a treatment works

  • risks and benefits of a protectional interventions to individual

  • client preferences and values

What does it mean ‘to practice ethically’

• consent

  • permission must be obtained

  • if participant under 16 needs to obtain consent from parent or guardian

• debriefing

  • must fully explain purpose of intervention

  • important if any deception has occurred

• withdrawal

• confidentiality

  • careful consideration