Title
Toward a Stronger Theoretical Grounding of Computational Communication Science
How Macro Frameworks Shape Our Research Agendas
Author
Stephanie Geise
Department of Communication, University of Muenster
Author
Merja Mahrt
Department of Social Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
... show all
Abstract
Computational communication science (CCS) is embraced by many as a fruitful methodological approach to studying communication in the digital era. However, theoretical advances have not been considered equally important in CCS. Specifically, we observe an emphasis on mid-range and micro theories that misses a larger discussion on how macro-theoretical frameworks can serve CCS scholarship. With this article, we aim to stimulate such a discussion. Although macro frameworks might not point directly to specific questions and hypotheses, they shape our research through influencing which kinds of questions we ask, which kinds of hypotheses we formulate, and which methods we find adequate and useful. We showcase how three selected theoretical frameworks might advance CCS scholarship in this way: (1) complexity theory, (2) theories of the public sphere, and (3) mediatization theory. Using online protest as an example, we discuss how the focus (and the blind spots) of our research designs shifts with each framework.
Keywords
Computational MethodsCommunication TheoryComplexity TheoryPublic SphereMediatizationComputational Communication Science
Object type
Language
English [eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.univie.ac.at/o:1610900
Appeared in
Title
Computational Communication Research
Volume
3
Issue
2
ISSN
2665-9085
Issued
2021
From page
1
To page
28
Publisher
Amsterdam University Press
Date issued
2021
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