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GSS 101
Applied Technology Assignment, 2009
Derek Oei
www.psychologytoday.com
Summary
Psychology today is the internet version of the magazine which is and has been in
circulation since the mid 1960’s. It provides information for the mental health of people
all around the world, while taking on challenging, compassionate, and humorous issues
involving all areas of psychology. Authors, doctors, and Ph.D. educated writers from
both academic and clinical positions contribute their expertise and perspectives through
up to date articles tackling issues from gender, to cognition, to philosophy, to integrative
medicine. The overall body of the articles are well organized, freely accessible, insightful,
and well written. Overall, Psychology Today provides an interesting, diverse, and
informative view of modern day psychology for non-psychologists to read and
understand.
What makes the site suitable?
 The site is suitable as a method for accessing large and diverse amounts of articles
from experts, academics, and professionals.
 Information posted throughout the site and within articles are written in a manner
that is personable, easy to read, and understand.
 It covers an immense range of topics, and provides enough detail and depth to
come away with enhanced and comprehensive knowledge about many
psychological conditions, disorders, related subject matters, and current/relevant
issues which make it ideal as an introduction to many topics or segue into more
in-depth research.
Potential classroom use/activity
Given a psychologically related condition or disorder, determine the symptoms, cause,
and effect along with a definition of what the condition/disorder is. In addition, read an
article written by an expert relating to this condition/disorder and relate how this
information can relate or is applicable to yourself and/or peers.
Ministry of Education HSP3M Expectations
Students would be able to attain the following 3 ministry expectations as they are all
topics covered and discussed throughout many of the posted articles and blogs. Many of
these articles discuss group effects, the effects of being in different contextual situations
and why we behave differently, while also tackling many current and relevant social
issues and social forces which can influence and shape behaviour.
1) Analysis of the psychological impact of group cohesion and group conflict on
individuals, groups, and communities.
GSS 101
Applied Technology Assignment, 2009
Derek Oei
www.psychologytoday.com
2) Explanation of why behaviour varies depending on context and on the individuals
involved (e.g., at work, within a family, in sports, in a crowd, in a large city or
small town).
3) Demonstration an understanding of the social forces that influence and shape
behaviour as described by psychologists.
Overview
 This website is most helpful in giving students a vast amount of general
knowledge and opinions/perspectives
o It’s presented in a very ‘non-psychologist’ friendly manner thus increasing
readability and
o Each topical link connects us to a multitude of present and past articles
sorted chronologically starting with the most recent
o There is also a comprehensive ‘search’ function that picks up on whatever
keyword you enter and returns search results in the order of relevancy,
title, type, author, or date
o The site also contains many psychological measures/tests assessing how
good you are concentrating, or communicating, or taking criticism, etc.
 this could be beneficial to students in allowing them to not only
discover more about their personal selves, but to also
understand/investigate how questions and reasons which
professionals utilize to formulate conclusions are determined
 This website is most beneficial for teachers in that it provides relevant
information and knowledge in an interesting manner which could be used to
easily stimulate and genuinely engage learner interest in nearly any area of
psychology
Useful features/links/highlights
 Has links to psychological assessment tools in the areas of career, health, IQ,
personality, and relationships
 Has a look-up tool actually enabling you to find a real therapist
 ‘Diagnosis dictionary’ provides comprehensive and detailed information in
regards to any psychological or mental health conditions/illnesses/circumstances
in the areas of: Abuse/Neglect, Addictions/Substance Abuse, Aging,
Anxiety/Phobia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity, Child/Adolescence,
Depression/Mood, Dissociation, Eating Disorders, Impulse Disorders,
Personality, Psychosis, Relationships, Sexuality, and Sleep Disorders
o Definition, cause, symptoms, and treatments are provided for each case
 Has a bloggers section comprised of a variety of professors, authors, and other
professionals
 Short summaries of the ‘psych basics’ easily and quickly give anyone a basic
understanding of common psychological knowledge/facts
GSS 101
Applied Technology Assignment, 2009
Derek Oei
www.psychologytoday.com
Critiques
 Psychology Today falls short in providing links to external credible and objective
sites in addition to also failing to provide reliable sources validating the authority
and opinions of the sites authors
 There is a definite possible selection bias involved in deciding which authors are
allowed to post their articles
 There are quite a few advertisements around the page which can appear legitimate,
and are not, and which could also lead to the display of biased self-promoting or
self-supporting articles
 There is also a slight bias towards the promotion and consumption of relatively
current/modern self-seeking and self-promoting approaches and attitudes which
may not be appropriate for every individual
 It is quite liberally-oriented laden with heavy opinions
Things to “keep in mind”
1. An educator must be aware that the information presented here is amongst much
opinion, and although is likely representative of a large number of people, does
not necessarily reflect the schools board, or the opinion we should be teaching
students
2. We should also take note of the authors cited and verify through another source
their integrity and reliability as experts in this field