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Media Psychology Research Center

Media Psychology Research Center

Media Psychology: The Psychology of Media Behavior

  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • Dr. Erik M. Gregory
      • Dr. Pamela Rutledge
        • Dr. Pam/Substack
        • Rutledge in the News
      • Senior Research Fellows
        • Dr. Scott Garner
        • Dr. Marc Giudici
        • Dr. Cynthia Hagan
        • Dr. Jerri Lynn Hogg
        • Dr. Tatyana El-Kour
        • Dr. Sean Thoennes
      • Inspiration
    • What We Do
  • Resources
    • What is Media Psychology?
    • Positive Media Psychology
    • Media for Social Change
    • Expanding Media Literacy for a Transmedia World
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What We Do

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Assessment & Research

MPRC has a proprietary approach to media technology assessment.  Our research on technology usability goes beyond traditional functionality assessment.  We evaluate the user experience at a psychological level and the social cognitive implications of the user’s environment, self-schema, and understanding of technology.  Therefore, we comprehensively examine eight domains.  These include

  • Cognitive level
  • Developmental stage
  • Visual integration
  • Affective response
  • Social cognition
  • Narrative engagement
  • Self-reflection
  • Comprehension and meaning

Positive Media Psychology

We educate media producers, developers, and marketers so they can create and promote media that emphasizes strengths, values, and positive emotions.

Media Literacy

We advise parents and educators on developing and delivering media literacy and media fluency programs.

Media Psychology Review

The Media Psychology Review is an academic journal published by the Media Psychology Research Center to highlight the intersection of individual and group behavior with media technologies of all kinds. Submissions are welcome on a rolling basis. http://www.mediapsychologyreview.com

Projects

Media Psychology Research Center’s (MPRC) mission is to promote the use of media for positive social change.  MPRC is committed to bringing researchers together with designers, developers, and distributors of all forms of current and proposed media content and platforms.

Sidebar

FOR THE PRESS

Dr. Pamela Rutledge is available for comments on the psychological and practical impact of technology, and media on people and society. Send an email!

SUBSCRIBE
Digital Brains & Behavior by
Dr. Pam Rutledge
 

https://drpam.substack.com/


RSS RECENT POSTS

  • Hooked on True Crime: Why We Can’t Stop May 14, 2025
    True crime media isn’t just a guilty pleasure—it can fulfill deep emotional and cognitive needs, especially for women. Key Points There’s something oddly engaging about listening to a stranger’s murder while unloading the dishwasher or walking the dog. That’s not a judgment—it’s an observation. The popularity of true crime media, especially among women, has become […]
    Pamela Rutledge
  • The Real Costs of Trade Wars: Lost Hopes & Dreams April 21, 2025
      When markets drop, it's not only our 401Ks that disappear—it's our future stories. No amount of financial doomscrolling can appease our anxiety or offset the grief for lost hopes and dreams. Key Points Doomscrolling during financial crises is deeply personal—it’s your future on the line. Compulsive balance-checking is driven by anxiety, loss aversion, and […]
    Pamela Rutledge
  • 7 Reasons Why ‘Bluey’ is a Masterclass in Parenting March 21, 2025
    Key points I’m a huge Bluey fan, and I’ve been spreading my enthusiasm with mixed success because many people I talk to don’t have toddlers at home anymore and don’t get why I’m so passionate about a “kids’ show.” So, when Leena Tailor reached out about an article for The Hollywood Reporter on Bluey’s success […]
    Pamela Rutledge

The Media Psychology Research Center (MPRC) is an independent organization dedicated to psychological science as the foundatio of media and technology research, assessment, and education.Our mission is to promote the positive development and use of media and technology.

RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

Ubiquitous technology means we need a better understanding of:

- Digital and Transmedia Storytelling and constructing and sharing additive narratives across media channels
-Participatory and collaborative media
On-demand information access
-The use of technology to promote positive experiences through cognitive and emotional engagement: positive mood inducement, sense of self-efficacy, social connectedness
-Immersive Environments and new arenas for expression and social modeling of new attitudes, skills, social roles, and personal identity
-Human relationships mediated by technology
-Tools and environments for learning across the lifespan
-Psychological, perceptual and cognitive aspects of using technology and understanding usability

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