Write a letter to the editor in which you identify a specific and current issue (possibly within the field of education, criminal justice, or government) through which to explore the relationship between psychology and society.
Psychotherapy is what many people think of when they hear the word psychology. Psychologists represent only a segment of the people offering mental health services. Other professions whose members do have training in psychotherapy include psychiatry, social work, and counseling (including pastoral counselors). The word psychotherapist is not a state-regulated word, so anyone may call himself or herself a psychotherapist, regardless of training. Furthermore psychologists engage in many activities in research and industry not at all related to mental health services, but contribute to different areas of society. For instance:
• B.F. Skinner’s principles of operant conditioning were applied in the classroom to increase performance of elementary school students, and also to reduce delinquency.
• The lessons from Phil Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment give new insights to prison administrators and others in the justice system in understanding the effects of incarceration.
• Irving Janis’ notions of Groupthink helped elucidate contrasting decision-making processes in the Kennedy administration in their handling of the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban missile crisis. This has led to a variety of recommendations for future group processes in crisis situations.

Assessment Instructions

After extensive reading of various psychology journal articles, you decide to write a letter to the editor of an article that has captured your interest and attention. Identify a specific and current issue (possibly within the field of education, criminal justice, or government) through which to explore the relationship between psychology and society.
Prepare a well-constructed letter to the editor that considers the following questions:
• Identify a specific, current issue (possibly within the field of education, criminal justice, or government) through which to explore these questions.
• How might knowledge, practices, and acceptance (or nonacceptance) of psychological research, concepts, and trends be helpful or harmful to society?
• How does psychology influence social, cultural, and political issues?
Additional Requirements
• Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Ensure that resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Length of assessment: 4 pages NOT including title and reference pages (abstract not required).