psych 3034 (topics in applied psychology)

notes and readings

Psychology can be applied to:

• National challenges

• Organisational challenges

• Individual challenges

applied psych:

provides professional services to all based on evidence informed application of psych methods and principles , promotes human welfare and well-being. they are pragmatist who use the research and stats of psych and other social science to answer contemporary questions that the answers will have immediate practical use. bring evicence and data to emotoinal database for reasoned discussions.

how do Applied psychologists solve problems by:

• Identifying the issue   • Designing interventions and;  

• Evaluating the program/solution

The relationship between theory, research and practice related: explain each (theory)

1. Theory: There is nothing as practical as a good theory” (Kurt Lewin, 1953) 

         • A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of events or situations by specifying relations among variables, in order to explain observed behaviour and predict events or situations 

        • Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounding assumptions (are testable and verifiable)

The relationship between theory, research and practice related: explain each (research)

contributing towards science by the systematic collection, interpretation and evaluation of data planned

   accumulation of cycles of evidence/data, followed by interpretation, and then feeds back to theory 

          • Guided by a set of principles/norms that are regulated research is conducted and what constitutes evidentiary proof

research scientific principles: 6

1. significant questions = investigated empirically 

2. Link research = theory

3. methods = direct investigation of question 

4. explicit chain of reasoning

5. Replicate and generalize across studies 

6. Disclose research to encourage professional scrutiny and critique

The relationship between theory, research and practice related: explain each (practice)

1.  An accepted way of doing something 

• The “how to” of a discipline or clinical specialty 

• Best practice, the standard approach, or accepted practice

Practice example: nurse infection control

• Hand hygiene,    -   handover,      -   barrier protection,      -   decontamination 

• Antibiotic stewardship

 practices for fatigue risk management

same schedule, dark room, cold room, exercise not close to bedtime

the relo of the interconnectedness of theory, research and practice (5)

theory: cycle - of research question  = empirical study = data analysis  = conclusions  =  research literature  (REDCR)

applied research: EG: questions

What type of prompts will inspire people to volunteer their time to charities? 

                 Does background music in a work environment contribute to greater productivity?

              Which treatment approach is the most effective for reducing anxiety?  

PROBLEM= showed then research and proactice informed by theory

evidence based practice:

integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences” 

= high in demand , evidence is based, evidence quality, service delivery with mximim beneift,  intervention strategy should be regularly and systematically evaluated=

how to decide if the evidence to use?

evaluation of evidence in heierachy levels: rigorous research trial =stronger resulting evidence= intervention strategy

relo of the interconnectedness of theory, research and practice(5) 4.Practice-Based Evidence

use of clinical expertise, evidence obtained from programs, and evidence during practice 

• Highly effective service providers who are observant, alert and attentive to client feedback can use this evidence to modify practice and achieve better results 

• According to Miller, Hubble and Duncan (2008), there is strong evidence that the provider of a service is a much more important determinant of success than the particular treatment approach provided

swap it dont stop it public education media campaign

• Females, younger respondents (18–44 years), those in paid employment, and those who spoke English = inc campaign awareness

• Only 16% of survey respondents reported any swapping behaviour in the previous 6 months,

Achieved modest population awareness but demonstrated limited effect in terms of nudging behaviours

Generalizability:

The extend to which the conclusions drawn from research can be extended to other populations in other settings at other times = external and ecological validity

W.E.I.R.D. societies

claims about human psychology and behavior in the world’s top journals based on samples drawn entirely from WEIRD societies (Western • Educated • Industrialised • Rich • Democratic)

96% of psychological samples come from countries with only 12% of the world’s population

but there can be limits in geralisability

Why WEIRD group may differ from other global populations:

cultrurally diff in nature that were socially transmitted, and environmental diff and represent some form of non-cultural phenotypic plasticity, which may be developmental or facultative, as well as either adaptive or maladaptive

What it means for psychological science: WIERD SOCIETIES

we question our current ability to distinguish these reliably developing aspects of human psychology from more developmentally, culturally, or environmentally contingent aspects of our psychology given the disproportionate reliance on WEIRD subjects”.

KEY POINTS 2

1) CONSIDER SAMPLE CHACRACTERSTICS OF THE psych theories thyev applied

2) some aspects of human exp are universal - others arnt

What should researchers do to address the problem of WEIRD samples?

• Increase require reporting of sample characteristics (gender, age, SES, ethnicity, religion, and nationality)

• Explicitly tie findings to populations

• Justify the sampled population

• Discuss generalizability of the finding

• Individual differences analysis

Suggested Solutions for Behaviour Change Interventions:

more representation to detect potential differences by social factors

Community and user engagement

Increase enrolment of underserved populations in behavioural research (they are being served not studied),

vuild partnership and design interventions responsive of target pop

more suggested Solutions for Behaviour Change Interventions (2)

The fit of an intervention within a cultural group and the embedded historical, cultural, social, psychological, and environmental factors that may be meaningful to influence health behaviour in the target population = intervention efficacy

example of covid response : bheaviour chnage intervations

impairing public health:

social inequlity leads to distrust in istituitons

culture: independent versus interdependent culture context has strong influence on social response to public health policy, as well as “freedom vs constraint”

political polarisation:distrusting those from apposing political parties) decreases trust, privileging partisan labels over policy information a

main points from week 3 behaviour chnage intervention lecture

issues if genralisa ility

How basic science should adapt to improve the evidence base (wierd)

How application of evidence into practice should be adapted

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology < why was applied psychology emerged and when?

The emergence of applied psychology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by the need to address prac琀椀cal societal problems using the growing body of knowledge about the human mind and behavior.

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology < how was the development of applied psychology influenced?

Applied psychology's development was influenced by advancements in natural sciences, the industrial revolution, and the subsequent societal changes, leading to new forms of work, social relationships, and political organisations.

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology < what were the diff names of applied psych (how was it already bring shaped and inf;uenced by other fields ?

The establishment of psychology as an empirical science can be traced back to Wilhelm Wundt’s laboratory at Leipzig University in 1879, although the field was already being shaped by various influences, including evolutionism, positivism, and studies in physiology and anthropology.

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology < what did applied psych address?

Applied psychology diverged into addressing both biological and social aspects of human nature, leading to the creation of new methodologies and the professionalisation of psychology.

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology < what were the major developmentts in the field furing the 20th cen?

The early 20th century saw significant developments in clinical, educational, and organisational (industrial) psychology, marking the beginning of specialized branches within the field. Notable advancements include the introduction of experimental methods into psychiatry by Emil Kraepelin, the establishment of psychological clinics (e.g., by Lightner Witmer), and the creation of intelligence training by Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon.

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology < what promted the demonstration of the workings of applied psych and where and how?

The First World War acted as a catalyst for applied psychology, particularly in the U.S. and Germany, by demonstrating the utility of psychological techniques in military recruitment, personnel selection, and other areas.

The post-war period witnessed an increased interest in applied psychology, leading to the founding of various institutes, journals, and professional associations dedicated to the field.

reading summaries W1: The Multiple Origins of Applied Psychology< what is the IAAP

The growing demand for practical psychological solutions and the need for international collaboration and standardisation led to the establishment of international associations, such as the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP).

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training < what is the (EBP) Framework? Evidence-Based Practice (there are 3 components, answered in another question)

The article emphasizes the importance of EBP in integrating research findings with clinical experience, alongside client characteristics, values, and preferences. This approach is pivotal for conducting relevant research and practicing based on empirical evidence. there are 3 componenetz

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training < what is predoctoral training programme and how is it related to evidence-based PRAACTICE

These programs are highlighted as crucial for adopting an EBP approach in clinical work, offering a platform to seamlessly integrate practice and research. The training environment, including psychology clinics and faculty supervision, provides opportunities for applying EBP principles

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training < what are the 3 components pf EVidence based practice? RCCpractice?

1. Research Evidence: Training should include coursework on research methods, epidemiology, and systematic reviews to enable students to find and apply the best available evidence for clinical work.

2. Clinical Experience: Developing clinical experience requires knowledge of current research, skill in building a therapeutic alliance, and the ability to assess and treat clients effectively.

3. Client Characteristics: accounting for up to 40% of treatment outcome variance, client variables are critical. Training must teach students to integrate client characteristics into case conceptualizations and treatment plans.

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training

< Developmental Psychopathology?????

This approach is presented as complementary to EBP, emphasizing the understanding of clinical issues across the lifespan and considering various biological, psychological, and social factors.

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training < why does the article stress the importance of ongoing assesment?

The article stresses the importance of ongoing assessment during treatment to monitor client progress and adjust the therapeutic approach as necessary. This can also provide data for practice-based research.

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training < Supervision and Competency Assessments????

effective supervision is essential for ensuring that services are provided ethically and based on empirical evidence. Competency assessments should be structured to evaluate trainee development accurately. Executive

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training <

Integrating client characteristics?

Training should prepare students to consider individual differences, readiness for change, and client values and preferences in treatment planning. This includes teaching students to work with clients as shared decision-makers.

reading summaries W2: Bridge Gap Between Clinical Research and Clinical Practice: Implications for Clinical Training < CONCLUSION of the article

The article advocates for a more integrated approach in clinical training that embraces the EBP framework. This involves teaching methodologies that allow students to function as both clinicians and researchers, thereby bridging the gap between clinical research and practice.

reading summaries W3: Making psychological science more representative of the human population <

WEIRD Populations:

Most psychological research has relied heavily on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democracy), not representative of the global population.

poses challenges for understanding human universals and cultural variability.

majority of research samples come from Western countries, and do not include diverse ethnic, socio-economic, or cultural backgrounds as well

reading summaries W3: Making psychological science more representative of the human population

< Generalization Issues ?!!

There is a tendency in psychological research to generalize findings from WEIRD samples to broader human populations without sufficient reflection on the impact of culture and context. This practice overlooks the potential variability and universality in psychological phenomena.

reading summaries W3: Making psychological science more representative of the human population <

Proposals for More Representative Research: 4

1> report detailed characteristics of their samples, including age, SES, ethnicity, religion, and nationality.

2> Findings should be explicitly addressed to the populations sampled, with abstracts and conclusions linking conclusions to the populations studied.

3> justify sample choice and discuss generalisability while considering the influence of culture and context

4> Analycal investigation of any existing diversity within samples should be conducted to explore cultural diversity's impact.

reading summaries W3: Making psychological science more representative of the human population

< Recommendations for Editors and Reviewers:

Non-WEIRD samples are important, potentially enhancing the perceived importance and interest of a paper. 

Introduction of "diversity badges" to deviation from WEIRD norms.

Setting diversity targets for publications t

W4 lecture: challenges in application of psych: 3

Generalizability of Evidence

Reliability and Validity of Evidence

Trust in Science

W4 lecture: reasons for Replicability crisis: (issues with reliability and validity)

Using of a different method

• Performing the experiment under different conditions.

• Failing to find the original effect by chance

• Original result was a false positive

W4 lecture: challenges in application of psych: (key points 2)

1: Applied practice should draw on theory and research

2: Applied practice should draw on theory and research

W4 lecture: Suggested solutions (5-6) for how psychological research should adap t to challenges in application of psych:

• Open science practices: proposed to increase the reliability of research

• Scientists share their experiment and analysis code, as well as raw data

• Pre-registering the design recruitment strategy and analysis plan before the experiment is run

• Changing research culture through mentorship

Structural change - Changes made at the level of science institutions to encourage open science practices through changes in training, and incentives for scientists

Procedural change - Changes made to the methods and procedures used in science, including more sensitive statical methods and meat-analysis approaches

community change: the way scientist work and collaborate

W4 lecture: : Suggested solutions: How do we decide what evidence to use to address the issues of replication?

levels of evidence rating (NHMRC)

EXACT REPLICATION /CONCEPTUAL REPLICATION (might diverge from the experimental method of the study)

W4 lecture: Challenges in the trust in science

only 60-29% belive in doctors and police officers

W4 lecture:: What should researchers do to address issues of trust in science

Education is a necessary

Dissemination should take place in various forms of media that are accessible and available to others outside of academia and written free from academic jargon so that it is easily understandable to the general public

Bring the research back into the community and collaborate with the community to apply the knowledge we have gained

W4 lecture:: What should researchers do to address issues of trust in science - eg of science miscommunication covid response

Conspiracy theories and fake news: more liekly to be believed in times of crisis but by giving thr public factual info before exposure to conspiracy theory helps in reduce belief to conspirancy theories + Trust: sources perceived as credible are more persuasive. The credibility of sources stems from how trustworthy and expert they are perceived to be

Enlisting local voices to help build engagement and trust in health officials can increase the success of such public health measures.

key points to trust in science W4 lecture

consider the source and the message

(Science is not always accepted – especially where it runs contradictory to personal beliefs)

W4 lecture:: Importance of culture in clinical practice

Indigenous Australians are underrepresented among health care professionals (Lai et al, 2018)

• Clinical psychology practice is individual focused and expert driven

• Need greater awareness of the influence of community, cultural and strength-based approaches

• Need greater awareness of the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma

W4 lecture:: Importance of culture in clinical practice- cultural ompetwncy:

Cultural competence is the ability to participate ethically and effectively in personal and professional intercultural settings. It requires being aware of one’s own cultural values and world view and their implications for making respectful, reflective and reasoned choices, including the capacity to imagine and collaborate across cultural boundaries

Underlying cultural competence are the principles of trust, respect for diversity, equity, fairness, and social justice.=

Developing positive attitudes towards cultural differences

Gaining knowledge of different cultural practices and world views

Developing skills for communication and interaction across cultures

W5 = ethics in applied psych?

The professional values foundational to the profession (APA, 2020)

• A common set of principles and standards upon which psychologists build their professional and scientific work

W5 = ethics in applied psych? + ethical conflict and delimma?

An ethical conflict is defined by a situation where two or more interests collide (Colnerud, 1996)

• An ethical dilemma is viewed as a situation where the appropriate course of action is not given or obvious and does not include one solution only (Colnerud, 1996)

W5 = ethics in applied psych? = code of ethics (APSCE) 3

3 general ethical principles:

• Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples

• Propriety

• Integrity

W5 = ethics in applied psych?= 1. Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples= explain JRIPC Ri, collection of data from associated parties

justice: not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or any other biases prescribed by law + Important to be culturally competent, to understand potential prejudices and their impact, and manage potential impacts

respect: clients and collegues + respect the legal and moral rights of others

informed consent: fully inform clients regarding the services they intend to provide – unless an explicit exception is agreed upon in advance, risks and disadv+ costs and duration

+ explain confidentiality and conditions under whoch psychological serviced might occur

Privacy: responsibility to ensure the privacy of their client and any data that is collected + ensure confidentiality of collected data of services, including in recording, storage, and dissemination, and in disposal of information at the completion of services + Clients should be able to access their own information and when then info is being shared to the third party, how info will be stored, for how long anf who will have access.

W5 = ethics in applied psych? = code of ethics (APSCE) 3

2. propriety 16 = C R P , PROVISION OF PSYCH SERVOCES AT THE REQ OF THIRD PARTY/ TO MULTIPLE CLIENTS, DELEGATION OF PROFESSIONAL TASKS, USE OF OF INTERPRETRS

COMPETENCE: competent to deliver services – only providing services that are within the bounds of their skills and training + Services should benefit + should protect the interests of the people/peoples with whom they work

RECORDS KEEPING: 7 years of provision records kept min + client is <18 years of age - we must retain the records until they reach the age of at least 25 years + ensure accuracy of records

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: services in responsible manner and only for the period necessary, maintain professional boundries

PROVISION OF PSYCH SERV AT THE REQ OF THIRD PARTY: be transperant about the nature of service, such as uses, confidentiality and financial arrangments + all informed about limits to confidentiality and information sharing in advance

DELEGATION of prof tasks: ensure the code is followed by those in training or collegues in non service

USE OF INTERPRETAORS: must ensure that this role is performed competently for the context

W5 = ethics in applied psych? = code of ethics (APSCE) 3

2. propriety 16 = + COLLAB W OTHERS , suspension and termination of psyc service, conflicting demands, psyc assesment, research

   (C S C P R)

C: Provide assistance for clients seeking second opinions, or when a client needs care when the primary psychologist is unavailable

S: Services may be suspended or terminated for a variety of reasons: - Client is not benefitting for the services required • Care should be taken in concluding services

CONFLICTING: Between the demands of an organisation and the general principles and standards

PSYCH ASSES: assessments use established scientific procedures and meet psychometric standards + be mindful of: - Limits of the assessment technique - The applicability - Capability to administer, score, report and interpret the outcomes

RESEARCH: Ensure that any data collected as part of practice has received the appropriate ethical review before publication • Client details should be de-identified

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych = Field Overview?

Psychology studies mental activities and behaviour in relation to environmental surroundings, distinguishing between basic and applied psychology. It encompasses various sub-disciplines such as abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and clinical psychology, among others.

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych =Values and Principles?

Ethical practices in psychology are rooted in values like human dignity, well-being, integrity, and responsibility. These values are articulated through principles found in various international and national ethics codes, despite the absence of a specific international legislative framework for psychology.

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych = Ethical Issues:

Ethical challenges in psychology research include obtaining informed and free consent, especially from vulnerable populations; maintaining privacy and confidentiality; assessing harm and risks; managing deception in studies; and sharing benefits from research findings. Specific issues arise with neuroscientific techniques like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Transcranial Current Stimulation (TCS), collectively addressed under neuroethics

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych = Organisations and Institutionalisation:

Various national, European, and international organisations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), British Psychological Society (BPS), and International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS), play pivotal roles in setting ethical standards and guidelines for psychology. Some countries have ethics committees for biomedical research that will extend to psychology research, highlighting an ongoing process of institutionalising ethics assessment in the field.

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych = Interna琀椀onal Frameworks and Protocols:?

The document notes the lack of specific international frameworks or protocols for ethics assessment in psychology, pointing out the historical focus on biomedical research ethics post-World War II. It mentions the "Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists" as an initiative towards establishing universal ethical standards.

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych = Other Issues and Publications:

The report touches upon "indigenous psychologies" and their challenge to Western-dominated psychological research. It also lists key publications and organisational ethics codes that contribute to the ethical discourse in psychology.publications

w4 reading summaries: Ethics Assessment in Different Fields: psych = Journals and Conferences:

Several journals and conferences are highlighted for their role in discussing and advancing ethical practices within psychology