The Center for Applied Psychology provides consultation and technical assistance to institutions seeking guidance related to applied psychology topics including educational, health and organizational issues.

The faculty working with CAP will continue to establish relationships that are personal and professional with individuals, institutions, and organizations. Through maintaining close partnerships, CAP will assist in developing solutions tailored specifically to meet the needs of those whom it serves.

Developing and Enhancing Leadership Through Assessment

Selecting and training leadership for organizations is essential to the well-being of these organizations. Assessment centers have become increasingly popular as a tool for assisting in this process. Developing and Enhancing Leadership Through Assessment (DELTA) is a leadership developmental assessment center created by faculty and students at the University of West Florida. DELTA provides organizations the opportunity to assess current employees across several behaviorally-based dimensions linked to leadership (e.g., planning/organizing, oral communication, problem solving, interpersonal skills) by placing participants in simulated exercises (e.g., oral presentation, group discussion, role play). The assessments are used to provide participants with feedback on performance in these various dimensions. This feedback allows them to understand which behaviors they are proficient in and which behaviors have the most area for improvement. Because the dimensions measured by DELTA are developable, participants with the assessment center may tailor action plans to develop themselves and improve their ability to lead in their organizations.

Faculty Consultation

Dr. Steve Kass and Dr. Steve Vodanovich (2010) consulted for a local manufacturing company. During this project, Dr. Kass and Dr. Vodanovich provided expertise in the areas of personnel selection and appraisal. Products included a behavior-based performance appraisal and selection test to be used by the company nationwide. Dr. Kass and Dr. Vodanovich worked with employees and management to develop competencies required for superior performance. These compentencies were used as the base for the new performance appraisal. The selection test was developed to incorporate the knowledge required for applicants to be successful in their new position.

Dr. Steven Kass and Dr. Stephen Vodanovich (2010) consulted for a professional in personnel selection. During this project, Dr. Kass and Dr. Vodanovich provided expertise in personnel selection and validation of a selection method.

Student Consultation

In collaboration with many of the graduate courses at the University of West Florida's School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, students have worked with several local organizations on faculty-guided consultation projects. Students delivered products to various types of organizations involving (among others) personnel selection and appraisal, training and development, and organizational change and development. The resulting relationship is a mutual exchange, as students are permitted a platform with which they may use their skills and gain valuable experience, and local organizations are provided specialized assistance (often free of charge). One such project conducted by student groups was the establishment and advancement of the Center for Applied Psychology's developmental assessment center. Faculty members are continuously searching for opportunities in which students can become involved.