Art Raney studies psychological processes and effects associated with media selection and use. In much of his work, he investigates how and why we enjoy and appreciate entertainment content, with specific interest in the roles that morality and moral emotions play in those processes. Recently, he has explored how eudaimonic and self-transcendent media experiences can lead to beneficial outcomes and well-being.

His book—Introduction to Positive Media Psychology (co-authored with Sophie Janicke-Bowles, Katherine R. Dale, and Mary Beth Oliver, 2021, Routledge)—provided the first systematic overview of this growing research area. He has published more than 100 journal articles, book chapters, and proceedings, as well as edited three other books, including the fourth edition of Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research (with Mary Beth Oliver and Jennings Bryant, 2020, Routledge).