Toward a Stronger Theoretical Grounding of Computational Communication Science

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.

Der „Computational Turn“: ein „interdisziplinärer Turn“? Ein systematischer Überblick zur Nutzung der automatisierten Inhaltsanalyse in der Journalismusforschung

“…Der Computational Turn wird von Waldherr et al (2021) auch mit der Chance einer Öffnung für theoretische Ansätze anderer Disziplinen, etwa der Komplexitätstheorie,…”

“…Fehlende Theoriebezüge sowie ein starker Fokus auf Theorien mittlerer Reichweite sind ein Aspekt bzw. ein Problem, das nicht nur Forschung mit computerbasierten Methoden betrifft (Walter et al, 2018), aber im Hinblick auf diese häufig diskutiert wird (Theocharis & Jungherr, 2021;Waldherr et al, 2021). Ob der Rückgriff auf vergleichsweise traditionelle Theorien und Konzepte mittlerer Reichweite in der CSS eine Chance oder ein Risiko bedeutet, bleibt abzuwarten.…”

Handbook of Computational Social Science, Volume 1

“…Apart from these first instances of institutionalization on an international level, CCS is still in its formative stage, and a lot of open questions merit a thorough discussion. For example, while the potential of computational methods for data analysis is obvious, the role of theory in this emerging field is still rather unclear and underrepresented (Waldherr, Geise, Mahrt, Katzenbach & Nürnbergk, 2021). It seems that the rapid development of computational methods has not been accompanied by an equally strong emphasis on theoretical developments within the scholarly community.…”

“…In the discussion, we did not follow this last thought, but identified three components we deemed essential for defining the field of CSS: (1) the analysis of social processes (2) with (big) digital data on these processes (3), and the use of computer-based methods that allow a high degree of automation of the research process. Later, we specified these dimensions as "driving forces" of CCS (Waldherr et al, 2021). Just as in the social sciences in general, the big (communication) data deluge and powerful computing capacities have been main catalyzers for the computerization and algorithmization of communication research (Hilbert et al, 2019).…”

“…In addition to this contribution devoted to a specific theoretical conception, we dedicated a second article to the added value of macro-theoretical perspectives-such as, for example, complexity theory, theories of the public sphere, and mediatization theory-in 14 establishing a meta-theoretical underpinning of CCS research (Waldherr et al, 2021). With the help of three analytical dimensions-1) interdependencies between varieties of entities and actors on different levels of hierarchy and organization, 2) the consideration of normativity and 3) multi-level dynamics in the research process-we argue that CCS scholars can benefit from connecting their empirical, often highly innovative work to established macro-theoretical frameworks: Particularly because these frameworks make explicit how computational research foci (and blind spots) and designs are shaped by (implicit or explicit) theoretical underpinnings, and how these significantly impact computational research questions, hypotheses, and methods, the integration of macro-theoretical perspectives can inspire and advance future CCS scholarship.…”