What We Do – Media Psychology Research Center

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.

Are Our Kids Anxious or Just Unprepared? October 14, 2024
Technology use strategies that don't teach media literacy will fail our kids Key Points: Tech bans and limiting access don't teach kids essential skills for making good decisions on and offline. Social media platforms amplify challenges like bullying, peer pressure, and FOMO, but they did not create them. Kids' social development makes them vulnerable […]
Pamela Rutledge
Using Your Phone First Thing Can Ruin Your Day October 14, 2024
Morning media habits can sabotage your productivity, but some simple hacks can boost your mood and focus throughout the day. Key Points Do you look at your phones before you’re even out of bed? It’s easy to do. Our phones are portals to a world of information, people, and conveniences. They may also be our alarm, […]
Pamela Rutledge
Why Scrolling Isn’t a Cure-All for Boredom August 23, 2024
Mindless scrolling and fast-forwarding through digital content to avoid boredom can backfire. Here are 4 tips to manage boredom without going right to your phone. Key Points: Boredom signals the need for meaningful engagement, not just a lack of activity. If you are one of the parents trying to come to grips with kids who […]
Pamela Rutledge

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