what is the diffrence bettween empirical psychology and pop psych?

Question

How does empirical psychology differ from “pop psych”?

Answer 1

Empirical comes from long experience and observation. Pop Psych is cocktail party stuff.

Answer 2

Well, "senlin" 's answer was pretty good except for one thing. While empirical psychology is the psychology of behavior and responses as they actually are, as they actually occur, it's not truly known whether or not the actual facts are always found. Empirical psychology was talked about more in the 1800's (ish) than it is now because now there is more awareness that we're not positive the "control" is the proper control. One example that is currently in controversy (just as an example) is the role of the therapist in therapy. Controlled studies have not shown any type of therapy to be significantly superior to any other. What does make a difference is the relationship with the therapist; how high the belief is that the therapy will be effective; and the length of time from first symptoms to when you seek therapy. On the other hand, studies have shown that therapists who meditate regularly (on their own) have clients with much better outcomes than therapists who do not meditate. So from there, what are you going to control? Are meditating people just more empathetic? Does meditating MAKE you more empathetic? Are people who are generally more open-minded more likely to meditate? (Open-mindedness HAS been positively correlated with empathy.) There are just so many variables. So they do the research but I don't think anybody is saying "for sure, we absolutely know this," when it comes to the mind. "Pop" psychology is psychology for the masses. It's not all myth although some is. Some of it is probably true and just very easy to understand. Some of it just kind of makes people feel better so people like to think it's true. It includes the gazillion self help books out there - some are pretty decent, others are pretty crazy.