The behavioral and social sciences offer the best perspective on changing individual and group behaviors and stopping the spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Social psychologists interested in basic research and/or theoretical issues have an opportunity to study naturally occurring independent variables. A potential area for basic research is to explore how people weigh the immediate costs of safe behavior against the long-terms benefits of unsafe behaviors in decision-making. Researchers interested in stress research might investigate the relationships between stressors, various mediators, and dependent variables in extreme-stress situations. The potential impact of this tragedy on social and political attitudes should be carefully studied. The impact of the AIDS epidemic on the attitudes and prejudices of people not directly affected can provide the basis for the study of several attributional models. Applied research could undergird the development of prevention programs. For AIDS related programs to be as effective and efficient as possible, researchers should be aware of: (1) the hierarchy of risk; (2) differences in background and experience when selecting target groups; (3) differences in motivation in target groups; (4) development and dissemination of the message; (5) the testing of theory-based approaches; and (6) evaluation. Researchers need to be aware of the best methods for gathering data and federal grant money for funding research. (SM)