Psychology vs pop psychology

There is often a wide discrepancy between content presented in the mainstream media and that which is presented in the scientific literature. In this discussion, you will choose one contemporary psychological issue that is prevalent today (depression, body image, bullying, media influences, self-esteem, etc.). Research your selected topic in a popular publication (Psychology Today, Newsweek, New York Times, etc.). Then, using the Ashford University Library, locate a peer-reviewed journal article on the same topic. In your initial post, briefly identify your topic and provide enough detail for an adequate understanding. Compare and contrast the information presented by detailing commonalities and differences that exist in the two sources. Assess the contributions of the peer-reviewed source to the topic and identify any missing element in the popular source. Evaluate how adequately the popular article addresses the major components of the selected contemporary topic in psychology for a general population. 

Guided Response: Review several of your classmate’s posts and respond to at least two of your peers by 11:59 p.m. on Day 7 of the week. You are encouraged to post your required replies earlier in the week to promote more meaningful and interactive discourse in this discussion. 

Considering the contemporary topic presented, did your classmate provide enough information for a clear understanding of the comparison? Examine your classmate’s perspective(s) regarding the peer-reviewed versus the popular article. Note anything new you may have learned from your classmate’s comparison. Respectfully point out any areas you disagree with and provide information from your resources to support your statements. Suggest alternatives that might provide your colleague with more or better insight into the topic. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. MST on Day 7 of the week and respond to anyone who replies to your initial post.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.