# applied psychology

> application of psychological theories or findings

**Wikidata**: [Q538904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q538904)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_psychology)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/applied-psychology

## Summary
Applied psychology is the practical application of psychological theories and research findings to solve real-world problems. It bridges the gap between academic psychology and everyday challenges, using scientific knowledge to improve human behavior, mental processes, and well-being in various settings.

## Key Facts
- Applied psychology is a branch of **psychology**, the study of mental functions and behaviors.
- It is classified as an **applied science**, which develops practical applications from existing scientific knowledge.
- Key subfields include **cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)**, **applied behavior analysis**, and **space psychology**.
- Related disciplines include **systems psychology**, **thanatology** (study of death), and **psychology of religion**.
- Notable figures associated with applied psychology include **Charles Spence** (British psychologist) and **Geoffrey Hinton** (British-Canadian computer scientist and psychologist).
- It intersects with **medical ethics**, particularly in therapeutic and clinical applications.
- **Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)** is a controversial pseudo-scientific approach sometimes linked to applied psychology.
- The field has a **sitelink count of 34** on Wikidata, indicating its recognition across multiple language editions of Wikipedia.

## FAQs

**What is the difference between applied psychology and academic psychology?**
Applied psychology focuses on using psychological theories to address practical problems, while academic psychology emphasizes research and theoretical development. Applied psychology is action-oriented, whereas academic psychology is knowledge-oriented.

**What are some major subfields of applied psychology?**
Major subfields include **cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)**, which addresses dysfunctional emotions and behaviors; **applied behavior analysis**, which improves socially significant behaviors; and **space psychology**, which studies human functioning in outer space.

**Who are some notable figures in applied psychology?**
**Charles Spence**, a British psychologist, and **Geoffrey Hinton**, a British-Canadian computer scientist and psychologist, are prominent figures. Hinton is also known for his work in artificial intelligence and neuroscience.

**How does applied psychology relate to other disciplines?**
Applied psychology intersects with **medical ethics**, particularly in clinical and therapeutic settings. It also connects with **systems psychology**, which studies human behavior in complex systems, and **thanatology**, the study of death.

## Why It Matters
Applied psychology plays a crucial role in improving human well-being by translating psychological research into practical solutions. It addresses real-world issues such as mental health disorders, behavioral challenges, and performance optimization in various environments, including space. By applying scientific principles to everyday problems, it enhances the effectiveness of interventions in education, healthcare, workplace settings, and beyond. Its interdisciplinary nature also fosters collaboration with fields like medicine, ethics, and technology, making it a cornerstone of modern psychological practice.

## Notable For
- Being a bridge between theoretical psychology and real-world applications.
- Including diverse subfields like **cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)** and **applied behavior analysis**.
- Contributing to specialized areas such as **space psychology** and **systems psychology**.
- Its association with influential figures like **Geoffrey Hinton**, who has advanced both psychology and artificial intelligence.
- Intersecting with **medical ethics**, ensuring responsible application of psychological principles in clinical settings.

## Body

### Definition and Scope
Applied psychology is the discipline that applies psychological theories, principles, and research findings to solve practical problems in various domains. Unlike theoretical psychology, which focuses on understanding mental processes and behaviors, applied psychology emphasizes the implementation of this knowledge to improve human functioning. It is classified as an **applied science**, meaning it leverages existing scientific knowledge to develop practical solutions.

### Parent and Related Disciplines
Applied psychology is a subfield of **psychology**, the broader study of mental functions and behaviors. It is also closely related to **applied science**, which encompasses disciplines that translate scientific knowledge into practical applications. Other related fields include:
- **Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)**: A psychotherapeutic approach that targets dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions.
- **Psychology of religion**: An analytic approach to understanding religious experiences and behaviors.
- **Thanatology**: The scientific study of death and dying, which often incorporates psychological perspectives.
- **Space psychology**: The application of psychological principles to challenges faced by humans in outer space.
- **Systems psychology**: A branch that studies human behavior and experience within complex systems.

### Subfields and Applications
Applied psychology encompasses several specialized areas, each addressing unique challenges:
- **Applied behavior analysis**: Uses techniques derived from behaviorism to improve socially significant behaviors, such as in education or autism treatment.
- **Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)**: A controversial pseudo-scientific approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy.
- **Systems psychology**: Examines human behavior in complex systems, such as organizations or technological environments.

### Notable Figures
Several prominent individuals have contributed to the field of applied psychology:
- **Charles Spence**: A British psychologist known for his work in multisensory perception and its applications in fields like gastronomy and marketing.
- **Geoffrey Hinton**: A British-Canadian computer scientist and psychologist who has made significant contributions to artificial intelligence and neuroscience. His work bridges psychology and technology, particularly in machine learning.

### Interdisciplinary Connections
Applied psychology intersects with various other disciplines, enhancing its practical relevance:
- **Medical ethics**: Applied psychology informs ethical considerations in clinical practice, ensuring that psychological interventions are conducted responsibly.
- **Academic discipline**: As an academic field, applied psychology is taught and researched in universities worldwide, contributing to both theory and practice.

### Recognition and Impact
Applied psychology is recognized across multiple platforms, with a **sitelink count of 34** on Wikidata, indicating its global relevance. Its applications span diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, business, and space exploration, making it a versatile and impactful discipline. By addressing real-world problems, applied psychology improves quality of life and advances our understanding of human behavior in practical contexts.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=16918)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
5. UMLS 2023
6. Quora
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
8. All Science Journal Classification Codes
9. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)