The Implications of Computational Methods for Comparative Studies

• In Event: What Computational Methods Can Contribute to Communication Studies

Abstract

It is a well-known shortcoming that most communication studies are conducted within one or a few countries. Despite of the lack of appropriate frameworks to compare communication phenomena across political systems and cultural traditions, it is logistically expensive to collect individual data from more than several countries. Thanks to the emerging computational methods and the popularity of global social media platforms (e.g., Facebook and Twitter), it is much easier to collect communication data from more than 100 countries and over a long period of time. A general procedure of using computational approach to comparative studies will be introduced and the implications for comparative studies in communication will be discussed.

Bio: Dr. Hai Liang is an Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research interests lie in social media studies using computational approach - using social media as a data source and computational approach for data collection and analysis. Liang’s work has appeared in CR, HCR, JCMC, NMS, among others.

Author

• Hai Liang, The Chinese U of Hong Kong