Glenn Sparks

Research

General research on the effects of mass media. Recent projects have included experimental work on the appeal of media violence, the impact of violent video games on physiological arousal and subsequent emotions, the effects of paranormal depictions in the media on paranormal beliefs and beliefs about science, and the effects of frightening films on emotional reactions of children and adults. Also conducting research on the "CSI effect" as well as the general impact of electronic media on interpersonal relationships and close connections. Some of this research culminated in the publication (with Dr. Will Miller) of Refrigerator Rights: Our Crucial Need for Close Connection (2008, Willow).

Representative Publications

• "Media Violence," In J. Bryant & M.B. Oliver (Eds.), Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research, Routledge, 2009.
• "The Appeal of Media Violence in a Full-Length Motion Picture: An Experimental Investigation." Communication Reports, 2005.
• "The Relationship Between Paranormal Beliefs and Religious Beliefs," Skeptical Inquirer, 2001.
• "Investigating the Relationship Between Exposure to Television Programs that Depict Paranormal Phenomena and Beliefs in the Paranormal," Communication Monographs, 2001.
• "Violence, Mayhem, and Horror," In D. Zillmann & P. Vorderer (Eds.), Media Entertainment: The Psychology of Its Appeal, Erlbaum, 2000.
• "The Repressive Coping Style and Fright Reactions to Mass Media," Communication Research, 1999.
• "Does Television News About UFOs Affect Viewers' UFO Beliefs?: An Experimental Investigation," Communication Quarterly, 1998.
• "Paranormal Depictions in the Media: How Do They Affect What People Believe?" Skeptical Inquirer, 1998.

Books

Media Effects Research: A Basic Overview (3rd Edition) Wadsworth, 2009. More information click here.

Refrigerator Rights: Our Crucial Need for Close Connection (with W. Miller), Willow, 2008. More information click here.