Media Psychology Review
T
he mission of the
Media Psychology Research Center is to promote the concept of media psychology as an interdisciplinary and emerging field by bridging the research-practice gap and creating a platform for international discussion that expands the frontiers of Media Psychology across traditional and emerging technologies. The journal hopes to promote the transformation of Media Psychology to a field that is cross-disciplinary in theoretical framework, approach, and application.
Scholarly materials do not always have to be in print. Because this is media psychology, we want to take advantage of digital media and web technologies. No longer bound by print traditions, we have made an interface that is more interactive and included transmedia projects and presentations. Also, we also encourage reader participation beyond the one dimensional letters-to-the-editor by using comments to the authors.
Through the submission and peer-review process, we selected articles and presentations on research and applications that help redefine the field. We publish throughout the year and welcome submissions at any time.
Within this journal, you will find an article by leading media psychology researcher David Giles on formalizing the theoretical concept of media framing. Jim Schnell discusses the importance of the increasing emphasis on visual imagery. Erik Gregory introduces the positive psychology of "Flow" as a framework for analyzing the engagement of video gaming as a narrative form. His discussion has important implications for understanding the popularity of interactive media and for the development of effective educational programs and materials. I present the question of “What is Media Psychology” in a qualitative study of APA Media Psychology Division 46 members.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice, Bonnie Buckner discusses the implications of cognitive theory for developing media for small screen platforms. Cheryl Olson and Larry Kutner explore the sophistication necessary for successful public education of science concepts using mass media. David Peck reviews the landscape of social media and its integration into daily life for younger generations. Marc Giudici raises important ethical questions about the impact of media coverage on financial resources in the recovery effort from Hurricane Katrina.
Putting theory to practice, Ellen Derwin looks at the efficacy of distance learning as it relates to critical thinking. Leo Chan examines whether a media literacy program developed in the west will benefit an eastern population in Hong Kong. Jon Cabiria looks at the potential in virtual worlds for providing a safe harbor for identity exploration in marginalized populations. Darcia Narvaez and her research team designed and tested a prosocial video game to understand the potential for positive effects.
We are also excited to include video presentations that demonstrate fundamental issues in media psychology. Roy Eidelson’s video illustrates how media framing influences our core beliefs. Carl MacMichael presents an overview of the prosocial video article so that viewers can experience the gameplay.
We want to extend a special thanks to the contributors to our first issue for their fine work. We are excited by the diverse collection of articles. This breadth of topics, from virtual worlds to research theory, reflects the range of media psychology. Our goal is not to contribute another academic boundary but to challenge traditional beliefs. Technological innovations are changing the communications technology landscape faster than theory and methodologies are adapting. To keep up with the rapid integration of technology into daily life, scholars have to be willing to challenge their own culture, methods and perspectives. We hope to contribute to that journey.
Our journal site has some nontraditional features in addition to the videos.
This journal and site will be a work in progress as we work to understand and engage emerging technologies both as a topic of discussion and as a means of sharing information and experience. We welcome your suggestions and feedback. Like the interaction of media and human experience, we hope the dialogue will be frequent and ongoing.
Pamela Rutledge
Editor-in-Chief
Erik Gregory
Editor
