Good Example 1: Business Sales Essay Example

Psychology as an Applied Science

Psychology is considered to be an applied science, as it is empirical in nature in the sense that information gleaned from scientific inquiry is used to solve real world problems. Unlike experimental psychology, applied psychology is an approach to psychology that applies established principles in psychology to practice issues and problems. Business psychology is one of the more fruitful areas for applied psychology to be deployed. Clinicians also deploy psychological principles in order to help patients who are mentally ill or in distress. As such, clinical psychology is the primary branch of psychology rendered applied rather than experimental.

Brief Case Description: Sales techniques used by business men and women often deploy psychological principles in order to yield optimal results. At the twenty-four hour gym, the membership manager sought to sell a potential customer the most expensive membership package at an artificially elevated price. Upon the refusal of the customer, the membership manager opted to offer a lower practice so that the customer would feel “special” that the manager would lower the price in order for her to believe she was being offered a great deal. As a result, the customer gleefully agreed to join the gym at the second price package. Had the manager offered the young girl the second price from the outset, she would not have felt as elated as she did.
Psychological Application: This example is one often discussed in the subfield of business psychology. Indeed, business psychology often foments often tangible and real-world success, especially when applied to marketing and sales. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a common psychology principle that is evident in business marketing and sales. Love and belonging, self-actualization, and esteem—which includes earning respect and individual achievement—constitute this hierarchy (Myers & Myers, 2008, p. 285). Creating pleasure for customers is evident in this example because the customer feels a sense of achievement that she was able to procure a lower purchasing price for her desired goods.
Complete Reference: Myers, D., & Myers, D. (2008). Exploring psychology in modules (7th ed.). New York, NY: Worth.

EXAMPLE TWO: TEACHER CONFERENCE

Brief Case Description: A friend of mine had a conference with her professor regarding the grade she received on her paper. The teacher told her that her writing was unclear and too verbose, which is why her grade was lowered.
Psychological Application: People have a naural tendency to avoid confusion whenever possible. As such, the professor viewed the verbosity of the student’s writing style as a detriment to the clarity in what she was trying to say. That being said, the professor did not want to be confused when reading the paper. This observation relates the Max Wertheimer’s principle of gestalt, which is often referred to as pithiness. This principle unequivocally plays a major role in behavioral psychology because people always seek simplicity. Avoiding confusion and complication is a natural human trait. As such, in grading and assessing student papers, professors clearly seek pithiness, logical flow, and simplicity.
Complete Reference: Myers, D., & Myers, D. (2008). Exploring psychology in modules (7th ed.). New York, NY: Worth.