Media Effects Research: A Basic Overview

MEDIA EFFECTS RESEARCH, FOURTH EDITION, provides an excellent introduction for students studying mass media's effects on society. Through an engaging narrative style, the author presents fascinating research findings on media's impact and related mass media theories. Students are provided with a clear perspective of the relationship between science, methods, and practical questions about the effects of mass media.

Glenn Sparks, PhD, is a professor and noted researcher of Mass Communication, and Associate Head of the Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University. He previously taught in the Department of Communication at Cleveland State University. His area of expertise is the cognitive and emotional effects of the media. A number of his articles report the results of research on the effects of frightening films and TV programs. More recently, he investigated the effects of programs that depict paranormal themes. He collaborated with "America's Pop Culture Analyst" Dr. Will Miller to write the book REFRIGERATOR RIGHTS: CREATING CONNECTIONS & RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS, which was nominated as a finalist for a 2003 "Books for a Better Life" Award given by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.