Contact
Jorge Pena
Professor
Department of Communication
Websites
- Offices & Labs
-
Department of Communication
- 367 Kerr Hall
- 1 Shields Avenue
- Davis, CA 95616
- 530-754-0977
Jorge Peña specializes in computer-mediated communication, new media, communication in video games and virtual environments, and content analysis of online communication. He is a member of the editorial board of Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication and was Chair and Vice-Chair of the Game Studies Division at the National Communication Association.
Professor Peña investigates cognition, affect, and behavior in video games and virtual environments. He also studies priming effects in virtual contexts, along with impression formation and group communication in online settings. Professor Peña employs quantitative research methods such as experiments, content analysis, and automated linguistic analysis.
Peña, J., Craig, M., & Baumhardt, H. (2022). The effects of avatar customization and virtual human mind perception: A test using Milgram’s paradigm. New Media & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448221127258
Pan, W., & Peña, J. (2021). A replication and expansion of the exposure effects of online model photos and social comparison goals on planned weight-loss behaviors. New Media & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F14614448211055367
Navarro, J. Peña, J. Cebolla, A., & Baños, R. (2020). Can avatar appearance influence physical activity? User-avatar similarity and Proteus effects on cardiac frequency and step counts. Health Communication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2020.1834194
Peña, J., & Hernandez, J. F. (2019). Game perspective-taking effects on willingness to help immigrants: A replication study with a Spanish sample. New Media & Society, 22, (6), 944-958. DOI: 10.1177/1461444819874472
Pan, W., & Peña, J. (2019). Looking down on others to feel good about the self: The exposure effects of online model pictures on men’s self-esteem. Health Communication, 35, 731-738. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2019.1584780
Jorge Peña teaches courses in computer-mediated communication. He also teaches courses on the uses and social effects of video games and virtual environments.