| Abstract: | Discusses problems that relate to the differences between research and application and presents a systems approach to solving problems in the social area—that is, social technology. In the systems approach, solutions are generated by combining findings from widely different specializations in basic research in the social sciences. Three cases of such applications are described in which students, after receiving adequate training in this social technology, were able to solve problems. Other areas in which social technology has proved useful are mentioned, among which are the problems found in organizations, such as eliminating or reducing the aftermath of discontent following a promotion on the part of those not promoted, friction between computer programers and other members of the team, and sales. The need is stressed for social science to move out from the area of pure research and into the practical application of the findings already discovered. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
