This timely and applied textbook brings together leading scientists to illustrate how key
theories and concepts in social psychology help to predict and explain behavior and can be
successfully applied to benefit social and practical problems. It focuses on robust theories
and models known for their successful applications and covers a diverse range of
settings¿spanning classroom interventions health behavior financial decision making climate
change and much more. Each chapter comprises of a theoretical section to define the key
concepts and summarize the theory providing evidence for its reliability and limitations from
basic research as well as an application section that summarizes research in an applied
context and provides details about a particular study including the respective application
setting. The textbook expertly shows how theory can make meaningful predictions for real world
contexts and isn¿t afraid to explain the potential hurdles and pitfalls when applying a theory
and its underlying set of concepts in a certain context. Crucially this format moves towards
theory testing in applied contexts enabling a closer examination of why and under what
circumstances interventions may be successful in obtaining a desired behavioral or
psychological end-state. Among the topics explored: Mindset theory of action phases and if-then
planning Quality of motivation in self-determination theory The focus theory of normative
conduct Social identity theory and intergroup contact theory Intergroup forgiveness Social
Psychology in Action is a critical resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in
social and cultural psychology as well as students of behavioral economics seeking to develop
a deeper understanding of major theories and applications of the fields. Practitioners working
in the areas of organizational behavior and management health communication social work and
educational science and pedagogy will also find the volume pertinent to their work.
