Research Unit Science Communication

Information

The research unit of media use and effects has been led by Prof. Dr. Anna Sophie Kümpel since October 2024. Prof. Kümpel and her team focus on diverse questions of media uses and effects in both research and teaching, with a particular emphasis on developments resulting from the ongoing digitalization. Current projects primarily center on the perception, use, dissemination, and effects of (political) information in algorithmically curated online environments (especially social media). Other projects focus on issues such as incivility and hate speech, as well as the effects of interactive entertainment media. Proficiency in quantitative, qualitative, and computational methods, coupled with a strong commitment to Open Science, serves as a guiding principle for the research unit. The study of media uses and effects in digital media environments is grounded not only in concepts of 'traditional' uses and effects research but also in findings and approaches from media psychology, political communication research, and digital communication.

These focal areas are also reflected in teaching: in the research unit’s courses, Bachelor’s and Master’s students explore various aspects of media uses and effects research in online environments and are equipped to address scientific questions with methodological rigor and precision.

Research Projects