For this special issue, we invite submissions that further the understanding, development and application of computational methods in communication research. Computational Methods include (but are not limited to) methods such as text analysis, topic modeling, social/semantic network analysis, online experiments, machine learning, and agent-based modeling and simulations. Computational Methods can be used to build theory about, quantify, analyze, and visualize communication structures and processes. Computational methods can be applied to “big data” and social media data, but can also be used to analyze historical archives (e.g. newspaper archives, proceedings) or to provide a more sophisticated understanding of “small data.”
In particular, we welcome submissions on:
Innovative ways to use computational methods for communication research;
Evaluation and validation of computational approaches to studying communication research;
Application of computational methods to answer substantive communication research questions;
Reflections on the role of computational methods in communication research and their link with theory.
The special issue may also include a “Teacher’s Corner” article with brief descriptions of useful software packages and tools for studying communication. Authors interested in this format are encouraged to contact special issue co-editor Wouter van Atteveldt prior to submission.
The submission deadline for consideration is July 1, 2017. Submitters should include a statement in the cover letter that the manuscript is being submitted for the special issue on Computational Methods. Articles will be peer reviewed and a decision rendered within 60 days, with a target publication date of March 2018. Instructions for authors and a description of the online submission process can be found on the journal’s home page at http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/HCMS
Questions about this special issue can be directed to Wouter van Atteveldt or Winson Peng, Guest Editors, at [email protected] and [email protected].