Empirische Aufbruchsstimmung? Verdatung und Datafizierung als Impulsgeber kommunikationswissenschaftlicher Forschung?

This article examines the impact of datafication and the growing availability of data on research practices in communication studies in German-speaking countries. Against the backdrop of change processes such as mediatization and digitalization, it asks whether the increase in (process-produced) data has led not only to expanded research opportunities but also to renewed empirical momentum within the discipline. A content analysis of 935 original articles published in the journals Publizistik, M&K, and SCM (2003-2023) reveals a consistently high proportion of empirical studies (approx. 70 %), with quantitative methods clearly predominating. At the same time, a decline in secondary analyses and longitudinal research designs occurs—contrasting with developments in sociology, where such approaches have increased. Since 2013, computational methods have gained noticeable relevance, while experimental designs have declined. The article points to structural deficits in the provision and reuse of research data relevant to communication studies, despite isolated advances. The findings underscore the need to establish institutionalized data infrastructures in order to sustainably promote data-driven research and ensure alignment with international developments.