In this article we present some examples of contributions made by psychologists' research to unique Canadian problems and to public policies. We then discuss contributions from basic psychological research in methodology and in areas that later have been applied to health-related problems, to commercial, industrial, and technological development in Canada, and to law. We argue that our past research accomplishments illustrate our potential to contribute to many social problems in the near future, including changing technology, energy use, and illness.The discipline of psychology straddles the social sciences, the biological sciences, and the health professions.' One estimate, based on psychologists' self-reports, showed that 11% identified themselves as biological scientists, 39% as health professionals, and 50% as social scientists (Adair, 1981). This paper is limited to a discussion of the contribution of psychology as a social science to Canadian society. 2 Because of this restricted focus, contributions by psychologists as health professionals and as biological scientists will not be reviewed.This article is based on material presented at the "Colloquium on the Contributions of the Social Sciences," Social Science Federation of Canada, Ottawa, December 1982. The purpose of the conference was to initiate activities relevant to making a case to the government and the public for increased funding of social science research.The authors are indebted to the many psychologists who responded to our requests to identify contributions and to those who provided detailed information on their own research. The preparation of this article was supported by a grant to the Social Science Federation of Canada from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Reprints may be obtained from either Brendan Rule,
