Running head: CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
Critical Controversies in Psychology, Part III: Creating an Argument
Smita Muley
University Of Phoenix
1
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
2
Abstract
The science of psychology is very challenging to explore since it can bring about solutions in
order to improve human life. The content of this paper illustrates arguments both for and against
and how psychologists can influence and contribute to resolving social problems. Although
psychologists are appreciated, there are some challenges faced in the I/O psychology field.
The contribution of psychologists in organizations, employee motivation, schools, disaster
relief, trauma, pain is well noted.
Keyword search –I/O psychologists, social problems, issues
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
3
Introduction
The role of modern psychologist has significantly changed due to the advancement in
technology and growing needs in the world. The social environment is a very complex concept
and needs research support to understand the responsibilities and power of psychologists in the
society. As a psychologist, one can contribute a lot to society based on acquired knowledge of
human mind and behavior. Social psychology is basic science which tries to build knowledge
through experiments, research and verifying the social information .Further, the commitment to
social problems can renew the science and change the direction of human behavior for optimistic
approach (Walton& Dweck, 2009).Most of the societal problems have emotional aspects, human
cognition that are directly related to human behavior. The two-point approach of, attention to
psychological process and rigorous methodology can be fruitful to change the attitude, values,
performance and life of the people for betterment (Walton&Dweck, 2009).
Social Psychologists, like Lewin and Sherif, contributed to modern social psychology to
large extent by addressing serious social issues like prejudice and conformity by utilizing
modern techniques (Aron and Aron, 2005). Muzafer Sherif and Kurt Lewin are pioneers in the
field of social psychology. The experimentation should relate to sorting out the underlying cause
and then propose solutions for the problem.
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
4
Thesis Statement
The primary reason for scientific research should be to have positive impact on the society and
improve quality of life. I/O psychologists with their acquired knowledge, modern techniques, can
help solve social problems. The need for I/O psychologists has increased and their role is
appreciated in helping people to improve life.
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
5
Summary for both sides of the Argument
David Kipnis discussed and shared his views based on his finding and research work. In
1950 s social psychologists developed agenda to resolve social ills.Social psychological
knowledge by itself is inadequate to unravel the complexity of social ills (David Kipnis, 1994).
The model of science is objective and value free causing it to not be specific in their approach.
The use of laboratory procedures allows the psychologists to progress from observation to
controlling life only. It only reinforces on perception of events and the events itself. The findings
show that technologies are developed because people with power need change and benefits from
advance technology. Even though the purpose is for a common person, it does not reach the
masses. The other concern he raised was about behavior technologies’ positive impact on core
areas of leadership, motivation, social influence, persuasion, and conformity and conflict
negotiation to be used in schools, business institutions and organizations. The goal cannot be
achieved without financial support. The ethical and psychological problems are inherent due to
the concept of exercising the power and not justifying the underlying cause of the problem.
The arguments by renowned psychologist gave positive implication to Arthur and Elaine
Aron to that psychologist could contribute a lot and make positive changes in the society
(Aron& Aron,2005).The research and theories contributed by Kurt Lewin,Muzafer Sherif,
Schachter Zajonc believed that social psychology has many optimistic solutions for social issues,
not just limited to social technologies, but have the capacity to translate human behavior by
application of modern techniques (Aron& Aron,2005). There are many such examples backed by
facts and research to support the statement.As the world is advancing, the needs of people are
changing and the demand for psychologists is increasing day by day to support the environment
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
6
and prevent from mental, emotional and psychological traumas. The physical disabilities,
physical ailments, are impacted and need therapeutic treatment at psychological level.
The research shows that more need of school psychologists is emerging due to ethnic
diversity in schools, increased bullying, violence, inferiority complexes and many daunting
challenges for the youngsters (Tori DeAngelis, 2000).The State of Georgia is facing problems to
find enough candidates for school psychologist positions. They have none or only few candidates
for the openings which illustrate the need as well the values of the role of psychologists in the
society (Tori DeAngelis, 2000). The psychologists appreciates new role, as special education
experts and are expected to do crisis-intervention work. I/O psychologists can offer preventive
services reducing stress, work management, training, recruitment, psychometric testing (Oppong,
2013, pg2). The new era in the field is very inspiring as we gain knowledge towards
technological world.
Psychologists played a vital role in response to traumatized people affected
by the disasters. Scientists and psychologists believe that science works best in resolving social
practical problems (Steven Breckler, 2005).They are expecting financial support as, motivation
to work. The disaster affected, traumatized people need time to heal and empathy towards them
A Chicago School of Professional Psychology has developed and aiming to increase
peoples EL skills and develop EI in other people (Erika Packard,2007).The participants are
enthusiastic about the potential of this program and great potential for leadership outside the
field. Psychologists can assess hires, train executives; organizational development due to their
unique qualifications in listening skills and organizational dynamics (Erika Packard, 2007).There
is great potential to develop leadership qualities in and outside the field.
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
7
One of the major achievements for psychologists in states like New Hampshire, West
Virginia, Alabama and South Carolina have paved the way to pass a law for prescribing
psychotropic medication (Deborah Smith,2002).These states are offering mental health insurance
parity law, coverage for mental illness excluding substance abuse. They also require covering
insurers for anorexia, bulimia, stress disorder, chemical dependency including alcoholism. The
inpatient and outpatient are covered under benefits for rehab services and detoxification
(Deborah Smith, 2002). The privileges for a psychologist in New Mexico have changed and the
new law amended regulations for prescribing psychologists. The scope of psychologist for
practice in New York has changed their scope. The bill was passed to include that created four
licensed mental health professions in New York: marriage, family therapist, mental health
counselors, creative arts therapists and psychoanalysts(Deborah Smith,2002).This broad
definition is a tunnel of light in the future of the psychology. This is worth mentioning example
to support the growing need of the psychologist to change the society.
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
Conclusion
The explanation with the support of research convinced that psychologists can help
resolve social issues. They can contribute as education experts, consultants in organization to
improve communication, leadership qualities. As they understand human mind, behavior with
their acquired knowledge, they are counselors and effective healing agents at times of crisis.
8
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
9
References
Aron, A., & Aron, E. (2005). Should Social Psychologists Try to Solve Social Problems? Ethical
Issues in Social Psychology,The Heart of Social Psychology,1-19
Budworth, M., & Latham, G. P. (2009). New directions in industrial-organizational
psychology. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue Canadienne Des Sciences
Du Comportement, 41(4), 193-194. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0015585
David Kipnis (1994). Accounting for the use of behavior technologies in social
psychology.Should Social Psychologists try to solve social problems, 49(3), 165-172.
Deborah Smith (2002, December). Success in the states. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/monitor/dec02/success.aspx
Erika Packard (2007, June). From Campus to corporation. A Chicago School of Professional
Psychology program trains psychologists to increase business leaders' emotional
intelligence skills.
Gregory M Walton , & Carol S Dweck (2009). Solving Social Problems Like a Psychologist.
Retrieved from
zttp://www.stanford.edu/~gwalton/home/Publications_files/Walton%20%26%20Dweck
%202009.pd
CRITICAL CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHOLOGY, PART III:
10
Seijts, G. H., & Latham, B. W. (2003). Creativity through applying ideas from fields other than
one's own: Transferring knowledge from social psychology to Industrial/Organizational
psychology. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 44(3), 232-239.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0086944
Steven Breckler (2005, September). Psychological Science in Response to Disasters. Retrieved
from http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2005/09/ed-column.aspx
Tori DeAngelis (2000, September). School psychologists: In demand and expanding their reach.
Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/sep00/schoolpsych.aspx