Faculty Q+A: Mary Beth Oliver, Co-Director of Media Effects Research Laboratory

Name: Mary Beth Oliver

Position: Professor, College of Communications; Co-Director, Media Effects Research Laboratory; Affiliate Faculty Member, Communication Arts and Sciences Department

Education: Ph.D, Communication Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1991; M.A., Communication Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1988; B.A., Communication Studies, Virginia Tech, 1986

Links: 

Curriculum Vitae

Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research

Podcast on Media and Race from Research Unplugged

Where are you from?

Blacksburg, Virginia

How did you find yourself at Penn State?

I was interested in moving into a program that had a solid graduate program, and PSU was hiring in my area. My husband is an academic, too (in philosophy), and so when it worked for both of us to have positions here, we decided to make the move.

What kind of classes do you teach?

At the undergraduate level I teach a general-ed class called \”Introduction to Media Effects.\” It\’s a large enrollment course focused on media psychology. I teach a similar course at the graduate level, and also at the graduate level I teach courses in data analysis.

What made you want to work with media and psychology?

Originally, as an undergraduate, I aspired to be a reporter on NPR. But I took a course while I was getting my B.A. in media effects, and I loved it so much. I began to realize just how important media messages are in almost all areas of our lives, and I knew that I had to go in that direction.

Can you describe the kind of media and psychology you work with?

Mainly my work focuses on two issues — media and emotion, and media and social cognition. In the area of emotion, I\’m interested in how we enjoy/appreciate media entertainment, and particularly entertainment that causes us to experience emotions that we might not like to experience in \”real life\” (e.g., fear, sadness). But lately I\’ve become interested in \”nicer\” emotions — mainly media entertainment that may cause us to feel inspired or elevated by others. In terms of media and social cognition, my focus has been on stereotyping of race — how media contribute to stereotypes that associate African Americans with thoughts of violence or aggression. But now I\’m interested in turning to ways that we can use media to help combat stereotypes.

What is your favorite thing about Penn State?

The students are great, the campus is beautiful, and I have some of the greatest colleagues in the world!

Where do you like to hang out on campus?

Mainly, in my office. But when the weather is nice and I can do some relaxing, I like to ride my bike all over campus. It\’s really lovely.

What do you do in your free time?

My biggest passion when I have free time is scuba diving. I\’m addicted!

What is your favorite form of media?

I would have to say books. There\’s just nothing more wonderful than getting lost in a novel.