The Scope and Limitations of Contemporary Chinese Media Culture Research: A Visualization Analysis Utilizing CiteSpace

Abstract

Abstract

        The paper aims to encapsulate key trends in publication, prolific authors, research domains, and prevailing topics on Chinese media culture research. Drawing upon the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), this study conducts a quantitative analysis of 602 Chinese media culture research outputs from 2000 to 2023 using the visualization method of scientific knowledge graphs. Concurrently, the research highlights some significant findings regarding the publishing trend, media culture research exhibiting a fluctuating progression, and the growth rate transitioning from a gradual to an accelerated pace. The researchers considered the Chinese media culture study landscape as characterized by a mononuclear development model with an over-reliance on key figures, and a dearth of collaboration among researchers and research institutions. This paper identifies current limitations, particularly imbalanced and underdeveloped aspects within Chinese media culture research, a noticeable absence of quantitative research methods, and a prevailing reliance on subjective content interpretation. The researchers also projected a trend prioritizing macro aspects while overlooking micro aspects, along with a relative neglect of public perspectives on influencing factors of media culture. Given these findings, scholars and institutions can gain benefits from the core research circle through collaboration for a comprehensive elevation of academic contributions in this field. In addition, they can explore novel research avenues, bolster research on weaker aspects, and delve into the development of localized theories of their interest.

Keywords: CiteSpace, visualization, visualization analysis, media culture, Chinese media culture, knowledge management