Abstract
The applied dimension of social psychology. The Applied Social Psychology appeared as a branch of Social Psychology in the 1970's. However, as this article examines, its origins go back to those of Social Psychology. Although, it is sustained here that Applied Social Psychology must be conceptualized as an applied branch of Social Psychology in opposition to the idea of viewing it as a group pf various knowledge differentiated from the original discipline. According to this approach, it is exposed here the need to determine the frames of referent as well as the specific theories to be used in the study of the Social Problems by applied social psychologists. Specifically, the following frames of referent are pointed out: social pathology, social disorganization, value conflict, debiant behavior, labeling, and bureaucracy. Lastely, a review is made of subject areas that wil define an Applied Social Psychology focused on Social Problems. In addition, the characteristics that a proper methodology should include for the scopes of research of Applied Social Psychology are discussed.
