Language and Communication Effects

In this group we investigate how the structure and style of a message determines how humans feel, think and act in interpersonal and mediated settings. Can entertainment narratives change worldviews? What do people see in their mind’s eye when reading narratives?  How do specific characteristics of language use affect perceptions, emotions and behavior? What is the role of, for instance, gender and culture in doctor-patient conversations? We use quantitative and qualitative corpus analyses and experiments to answer such research questions. Objects of investigation range from naturalistic conversations to professionally produced texts and (moving) images, in domains as diverse as health communication, mass communication, marketing communication, and entertainment.