Psychology of Marketing and Media

Undergraduate

This class explores the psychology of marketing and media, from the psychological tools used by marketers and media to sell products and ideas to the psychological impacts of marketing and media on the consumer. The course uses a theoretical and empirical framework of psychology to examine how marketing and media use psychology to influence consumers, why and how consumers are vulnerable to those messages, and what impact that influence has on consumers’ behavior, self-perception, and mental health. We incorporate theories and practices from a wide range of branches of psychology, including social, clinical, industrial/organizational, neuropsychology, developmental, environmental, and media psychology as a framework and foundation for the course. Case studies include but are not limited to Disney, social media corporations, news outlets, food companies, and companies marketing products considered addictive. Interwoven topics include clinical ramifications of marketing and media as well as bias formation from media and film consumption. Students use psychological principles to analyze specific examples from advertisements, social media, news outlets, and film from the perspective of the marketer and the consumer. Prerequisite: One introductory level psychology course. Preference is given to psychology majors. W 1:30pm-3:25pm