W202 Lagomarcino Hall

 Iowa State University

 Ames, IA 50011-3180

 Email: dgentile (at) iastate dot edu

 Phone: 515.294.1742

 Fax: 515.294.6424

 Public web site

www.douglasgentile.com

The Media Research Lab conducts scientific studies from a psychological approach.  We conduct randomized controlled experiments, real-world surveys, and longitudinal studies to see how changes occur across time.  Many of our studies are cross-cultural.

We are always looking for detail-oriented undergraduates to help us conduct our studies.

Examples of current and past studies

• Studies on the effects of video games, including the benefits of playing prosocial games, the effects of violent games on aggressive thoughts and behaviors, and how to understand video game and Internet addiction.
• Studies helping to change the way we understand media violence effects, by using interdisciplinary risk and resilience models to explain them and by describing the learning mechanisms that underlie media content effects.
• Studies on how mindfulness and self-compassion can reduce aggression, change consumption behaviors, reduce the effects of advertising, and improve overall happiness.
• Studies on how different types of parental monitoring is a protective factor for children’s physical health, school performance, and social wellness.
• Studies on the validity of the U.S. media rating systems
• Studies on how screen time is a risk factor for attention problems.

 Introductory Psychology (Psych 101)

 Media Psychology (Online only; Psych 386)

 Focus Group Methodology (Psych 594i)

If you are interested in more details, in copies of scientific papers, etc, please visit Dr. Gentile’s public page at:

www.douglasgentile.com

Our lab is interested in recruiting talented, motivated, and detail-oriented undergraduates to help with our research.  This can be done for credit as Psych 291, 490, or 491, or other arrangements can be made.  Email me at dgentile (at) iastate dot edu if you are interested.

It is likely that I will recruit one PhD student for the 2015-2016 year.  In particular, I am most interested in finding a student who would be excited to work on some of the new mindfulness research with Dr. Dawn Sweet and myself.  Feel free to contact me to discuss your interests and learn more about our work.

I believe deeply that the best research is collaborative (and interdisciplinary).  I am always eager to collaborate with students and researchers at other universities and in other countries.