Research Overview
Professor Yotam Ophir holds a class discussing media effects and misinformation through the MEME Lab.
At UB, we believe communication is a science. The Department of Communication is at the forefront of innovative, data-driven research that helps explain how people connect, share ideas and influence one another across society.
Learn about:
Our major research areas include:
- Social Influence and Networks: How messages and relationships shape attitudes and behavior
- Health Communication: Improving health outcomes through smarter messaging and outreach
- Science and Risk Communication: Making complex issues clear and actionable
- New Media and Technology: Exploring how digital platforms and emerging tech change the way we communicate
- Interpersonal and Organizational Communication: Examining how people interact one-on-one and in groups
- Entertainment-Education and Media: Studying the power of stories, media and entertainment to inform and persuade
- Political Communication: Understanding the impact of messaging in civic and political life
Our faculty are recognized experts in measurement theory, statistics and research design. We focus on quantitative methods—using multivariate statistics, mathematical modeling, computer simulations, experiments and surveys to answer big questions about human interaction.
- Groundbreaking Projects: Our department leads the way in areas like deception detection, health communication and Internet research
- Award-Winning Funding: We’ve secured major grants for research that makes a real difference in people’s lives
- Real-World Impact: Our studies help shape law enforcement practices, public health initiatives and digital media strategies
At UB’s Department of Communication, research is hands-on, collaborative and built for real-world impact. Our labs and research centers give students, faculty and partners opportunities to explore the science of communication, from emerging media and technology to misinformation and human connection.
Here’s where discovery happens:
Co-Directed by Drs. Nojin Kwak and Yini Zhang
Explores how digital media and technologies shape public opinion, political communication and society at large.
Directed by Dr. Mark Frank
Home to cutting-edge research on nonverbal communication, deception detection and real-world behavioral science with partnerships across law enforcement and healthcare.
Directed by Dr. Yotam Ophir
Focuses on how media content spreads misinformation and fuels extremism, and what can be done about it.
Directed by Dr. Lindsay Hahn
Investigates how entertainment and media content shape our understanding of morality, emotion and behavior.
Narrative Lab
Directed by Dr. Melanie Green
Explores how stories influence beliefs, emotions and actions across different media and cultures.
Directed by Dr. David Lee
Studies how communication through new media and everyday interactions affects mental health, happiness and social connection.
Qualitative Research Understanding and Qualitative Method Inquiry (QRU-QMI) Group
Directed by Dr. Kelly Tenzek
Specializes in qualitative research methods to better understand how people make meaning through communication in daily life.
Learn more about undergraduate and graduate research opportunities in our labs and centers!