Pop Psychology Investigation

As humans living out our daily lives, we are constantly hearing other peoples theories of human
functioning, and creating our own versions of these theories as well. This often results in the creation of
shared and popular understandings of how the world works. Sometimes we talk about shared lay
psychological theories as common knowledge. Other times we hear musings or statements about
human functioning that can be called pop psychology without the scientific evidence to back them up.
For this paper, you will explore one of these topics that are common knowledge or part of pop
psychology and see what the scientific psychological community has to say about it. Based on your
findings– does it seem to be supported by research and theory? Is it contested within the field?
You will find three real-world examples of the topic being discussed: this can be from news media,
non-scientific print media (e.g. magazines, newspaper articles, etc.), in novels or other forms of
literature, movies, TV shows, etc. that speak to a general understanding most (or at least a large amount
of people) seem to have of the issue.
Then, using your textbook and what we have discussed in class, discuss whether the psychological
science supports, refutes, or complicates the pop-psychology claim.
I have listed some ideas below, but feel free to also brainstorm about another topic. If you pick a topic
that is not listed below, you must get it approved by the instructor.
Suggested topics
– We only use 10% of our brain
– People are affected by subliminal advertising
– In romantic relationships: Opposites attract
– Catharsis is a useful method of coping with negative emotions, like anger
– Money cant buy happiness
– Hypnosis is an effective treatment for psychological problems
– Astrological signs predict parts of your personality
– Dreams can be interpreted to reveal our deepest desires and fears (ex., dreaming that you are
falling means that you feel your life is out of your control)
– Does absence make the heart grow fonder?
– Men are from Mars & Women are from Venus (the different genders have different approaches
to love, different fighting styles, etc. Pick one gender difference to focus on)
– The Mozart Effect: Exposing a baby to classical music will make him or her smarter
The Paper
Present your analysis of the pop psychology claim you have chosen in a 1-2 page paper. Be sure to:
a. Briefly summary of the Pop Psychology claim you are investigating
b. Identify how has it been portrayed in the real world (1-2 examples)Due: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014
c. Identify and discuss 2-3 theories or concepts from the class that support, refute or
complicate of what theories and concepts from the class reveal about the claim (This
component should be given the most space in your paper!)
d. Your conclusion: Is the pop-psychology claim true, not true, or somewhere in between?
Grading Rubric for Final Presentations (40 points total)
– Describe the Pop Psychology claim ____5pts
– Discuss how it has been portrayed in one to two real world examples (this is where you can
draw from the media examples) _____5pts
– Include at least two to three theories or concepts from class _____10pts
– Discuss whether each theories or concepts are in line with societys understanding of the pop
psychology claim. If they are, how do the theories/concepts add anything new to the
understanding? If they do not match up, explain why do you think this is the case?