Discussion: Does Psychology Make a Difference in Our Lives?

In the article “Does Psychology Make a Significant Difference in Our Lives?” Philip G. Zimbardo (2004) offers many examples of ways psychology has made—and continues to make—a positive impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Zimbardo noted that psychological research has changed the way parents interact with their children, businesses interact with their employees, and health practitioners interact with their patients. Among the cases referenced, Zimbardo mentions that social psychological research on the negative effects of segregated schools was used in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that formally desegregated public schools.

In addition, the “How Can Psychological Science Contribute to a Healthier, Happier, and More Sustainable World?” article,  by Gruber et al. (2019),  lists a more recent array of areas where psychology has contributed to making the world a better place by considering individuals, relationships and interactions among people, and social and national policies (see papers cited in Table 1).

For this Discussion, you will examine the settings or issues presented in the Zimbardo article and determine their relevance in our current culture. You will also choose one of the articles referenced in Table 1 of the Gruber e. al. (2019) article. You will also evaluate our culture for additional settings or issues that ought to be on the list.

To Prepare

Read Phillip G. Zimbardo’s (2004) article, “Does Psychology Make a Significant Difference in Our Lives?” In this article, Zimbardo lists various settings or issues (e.g., factory work, parenting, political polling) in which psychological research has been of great benefit. Consider today’s world and think about which setting or issue discussed in the article should remain on the list. Then, consider which setting or issue not discussed in the article, such as social media or childhood obesity, should be included on the list and why. Then, choose one of the articles referenced in Table 1 of the Gruber et al. (2019) article and think about how it contributes to the discussion of how psychology can make a difference.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 3

Post an explanation of which setting or issue you believe should remain on the list and why. Next, explain what issue should be added to the list today. Describe it and argue for its necessary placement. Then, explain how the article you chose from Table 1 of the Gruber et. al (2019) article contributes to the discussion of how psychology can make a difference in today’s world.