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Peer Review

Practical Psychology

Reviewed:
Feb 10, 2022 by Psychology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8 stars
Content Quality: 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: 4.5 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

Practical Psychology is a YouTube channel whose "about" link describes a goal to "giv[e] high-quality and informative videos to everyone who wishes to learn. This channel will upload animated book review, inspirational and motivational videos, as well as tutorials on many topics. From financial tips, romance, and happiness to psychological tips, personal development, and even productivity advice."

The videos on this channel cover a variety of psychology sub-fields and could support teaching and learning in introductory psychology courses. 

Type of Material:

Collection

Recommended Uses:

The videos would support reading and lecture in introductory psychology courses. They could be played in class or could be attached to online learning modules where students could watch them independently. Additionally, materials can be assigned prior to class discussion or for use with an assignment.    

Technical Requirements:

Visitors will need an updated browser to view the YouTube videos. The recommended browser is Chrome. 

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Visitors to the Practical Psychology YouTube channel will learn how key pyschological principles play out in every day life. This collection of informative videos provides an interesting, brief look at topics in areas such as Cognitive, Social, and Personality psychology.

Target Student Population:

College General Ed

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

No prequisites are required. These videos are intended for consumption, enjoyment, and learning by all. 

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • The videos cover a broad range of basic psychological principles (e.g., the bystander effect) as well as foundational research studies (e.g., Loftus & Loftus; Bobo doll) in the field of psychology.
  • The videos are concise (ranging from approximately six to 12 minutes in length).
  • The video playlists emphasize selected sub-fields of psychology--i.e., social psychology, cognitive psychology, and personality. Coverage is not comprehensive, but it is contemporary (e.g., OCEAN model of personality).
  • A sampling of the videos suggests the content is essentially accurate.
  • Additional playlists include Habit Harvester, High Quality Favorites, and Animated Book Reviews.     
  • Topics are covered quickly with key details pointed out.  For example, The Bystander Effect presentation provides the history as well as the corrections that the original New York Times article got wrong.
Concerns:

 

  • Instructors who use the videos in class will want to review them carefully in advance to ensure an appropriate "fit" with course-level learning objectives, readings, and lecture. 
  • The channel has been developed by a self-described former student of nuclear engineering who also runs the Practical Pie website. While he describes his story and his mission with candor, it would be useful to have complete author information when linking the materials to a college course. 
  • Additional topical areas will make Practical Psychology a stronger resource. 

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • The videos underscore the practical utility of psychology in every day life and work. This focus can provide a useful augmentation of class readings and lectures.
  • The delivery of the videos is animated yet professional. The animation and quick, engaging, clear delivery will ensure attention.
  • Auto closed-captioning is available in English and Dutch. 
  • Some of the videos include links where viewers can test themselves (e.g., Short Term Memory.)
Concerns:

 

  • The videos were not specifically designed for use in courses. Psychology instructors will need to develop learning objectives, discussion guides, and/or related assignments.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • Videos can be searched by scrolling through the "videos" or "playlists" links.
  • Videos can be sorted by date added. 
  • Videos are closed-captioned (an important ADA consideration).
Concerns:

None.

Other Issues and Comments:

At the time of the review, the Practical Psychology YouTube channel reported nearly 101 million views. 

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