UROP Project
Is it all just Jumpscares
Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) , Horror Video Games Decision-Making, Existential Horror
Research Mentor: Gabrielle Lamura, She/Her/Hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Communication PhD, Communication and Information
Contact Email: glg24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Communication PhD, Communication and Information
Contact Email: glg24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors but must be okay with video game jumpscares
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors but must be okay with video game jumpscares
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92395047125 - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 7:00
End Time: 7:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97490114375 - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99950877760
Project Description
This study investigates the persuasive mechanisms within horror video games by applying the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to the 2015 science fiction horror game SOMA. While horror games are often associated with jump scares and visceral reactions, this project contends that they also facilitate complex cognitive and emotional engagement through narrative, atmosphere, and existential themes. By integrating ELM with Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), this research explores how central and peripheral cues embedded in SOMA; such as dialogue, lore artifacts, sound design, and environmental aesthetics affect players’ elaboration and decision-making processes. The study will employ a conceptual content analysis of SOMA using a human-coded dataset derived from a no-commentary YouTube playthrough. Coded variables include atmospheric horror, jump scares, decision points, and existential themes, each analyzed for frequency, prominence, and effectiveness. The research aims to distinguish which cues prompt high versus low elaboration and how these mechanisms contribute to persuasive effects in gameplay. By bridging media psychology and game studies, this research positions horror video games as underexplored yet valuable artifacts in the study of communication and persuasion. The findings provide groundwork for future academic inquiry into how immersive narrative media can influence cognitive processing and player agency, extending the relevance of ELM to interactive digital environments.Research Tasks: Assist with content coding of video game footage (no-commentary walkthroughs)
Maintain data spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) and ensure coding reliability
Annotate examples of narrative, atmospheric, and fear-based elements
Conduct targeted literature reviews on persuasion, horror media, and game studies
Assist in organizing references and formatting documents (APA style)
Participate in team meetings and contribute to analytical discussions
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Strong interest in media studies, communication, psychology, or game studies
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and critical thinking skills
Experience with spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets)
Basic understanding of research design and content analysis/willing to learn
Recommended:
Familiarity with ELM, fear appeal, or PMT theories/willing to learn
Experience with horror video games (especially SOMA, Amnesia, Resident Evil)
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe in cultivating a collaborative, respectful, and intellectually rigorous environment that empowers students to grow as independent thinkers, ethical researchers, and confident contributors to scholarly discourse.First, I strive to be an accessible mentor, one who is approachable and supportive, recognizing that students come from diverse academic, personal, and cultural backgrounds. I actively encourage open dialogue and questions, and I meet students where they are while helping them identify clear pathways to where they want to be. I view research as a co-creative process. I do not see assistants merely as helpers, but as emerging scholars whose insights and interpretations are vital to the research process. I aim to give students space to explore their interests within the scope of the project, and I welcome their input on theory, design, and analysis. This approach fosters mutual respect and shared investment. I also would like to tailor mentorship according to each student’s experience level and goals (providing structure and skill-building opportunities for early-stage students, and increasing independence and leadership for those further along. Whether it involves teaching how to conduct literature reviews, code media artifacts, or think through theoretical frameworks, I prioritize growth and reflection over perfection. I want my mentees to leave the research experience with deeper confidence in their abilities, a clearer understanding of their academic identity, and a sense of belonging in scholarly spaces.