PSYC 2257 - Psychology and the Media

1. Articulate the processes of critical thinking and analysis, including evaluating the quality of sources, determining what information constitutes empirical evidence, identifying the weaknesses of testimonials and anecdotal evidence, and understanding causal and correlational research data.
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific methods used in Media Psychology research.
3. Understand and apply the various theoretical orientations and psychological theories used to explain media effects.
4. Apply the process of critical analysis to media depictions of psychological constructs (such as media reporting of psychological research and the portrayal of mental illness, “fake news,” etc.), assessing the accuracy and reliability of these depictions.
5. Understand and reflect on the current research findings pertaining to the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and social impact of various types of media and technology on the human experience. In particular, analyze research findings in the following areas: social media, parasocial relationships, music, psychology of advertising (including political campaigns), media violence, portrayals of sex and relationships (and the impact of technology on relationships), portrayals of specific groups (such as race, gender, religion, and mental illness), how the news media create a perceived reality, and socially positive media.
6. Apply select categories of the current DSM to people and situations portrayed in the media, assessing the accuracy of these portrayals.
7. Identify how factors in U.S. culture and history have shaped our understanding of psychological issues and the subsequent media depictions of these issues.
8. Recognize and compare the diversity of political motivations and trends, as well as public attitudes, to the media portrayal of people and situations.
9. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues as they relate to portrayal of people and situations in the media.
10. Recognize how the media influence public perception and treatment of psychological issues (contributing to misconceptions, stereotypes, and stigmatization).

1. Critical thinking and media literacy
2. Psychological models
3. Historical and cultural definitions of psychological issues in the U.S.
4. Depiction of psychological disorders in popular and news media
5. Ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues as they relate to portrayal of people and situations in the media
6. Current research findings in the field of Media Psychology