The Computational Methods Division welcomes submissions that further the understanding, development and application of computational methods in communication research. Computational methods include (but are not limited to): text analysis, network analysis, online experiments, algorithm auditing, machine learning, visual analysis, agent-based modeling and simulations.
Submissions should utilize computational methods to build or advance theory about, quantify, analyze, or visualize communication structures and processes. This can be through research papers, but also tool and data demonstrations. In particular, we welcome submissions on:
Development and adoption of innovative computational methods for communication research.
Evaluation and validation of computational approaches to communication research.
Application of computational methods to substantive communication research questions.
Computational tools or software packages for communication research.
Privacy and ethics of data and algorithms.
Presentation of new publicly available datasets for communication research.
Reflections on the role of computational methods in communication research.
Please note that all regular division sessions at ICA 2025 will be in-person only, without the option for hybrid presentations. If you plan to attend ICA remotely and want to present your work, consider submitting to the conference theme and interdivisional sessions sections, as announced earlier by ICA HQ.
Manuscript guidelines
The division will consider five types of submissions. All submissions need to be in PDF format, using a single-column layout. Following APA style guidelines is recommended, because this is what most reviewers are familiar with, but as an interdisciplinary division we allow alternative styles, and minor deviations (e.g., not double-spaced) are acceptable as long as the manuscript remains clear and professional. Please respect the size limits for each submission type to ensure a fair reviewing process. Submissions that exceed these limits or that are not in a single-column layout will be rejected before review. Before submitting, please note that:
Submissions may not be published, in press, or under review anywhere else until after being submitted to ICA.
Only full papers are eligible for top paper awards.
We encourage all submissions to include source code and/or data, and to cite all software and data used.
All author information should be removed from the manuscript to facilitate the double-blind review process. We do recognize the challenges of fully anonymizing linked code and repositories, so these may contain identifying information.
All first authors will be asked to review submissions unless they specifically opt out.
FULL PAPERS: Papers should be no longer than 8,000 words (excluding tables, references and appendices). An appendix of up to 10 pages can be included, or you may include a link to an (anonymized) online appendix without a page limit. If the authors are all students (no PhD before submission deadline), please indicate that this is a student paper using the check box on the submission form (don’t mention this in the paper itself).
EXTENDED ABSTRACTS: Extended abstracts should be 1,000-2,000 words (excluding tables and references), and may include up to 6 tables or figures. This format is suitable for brief research summaries or emerging research.
TOOL OR DATA DEMONSTRATIONS: You can submit an extended abstract (1,000 - 2,000 words excluding references) and mark it as a “Tool demo” or “Data demo” at the start of the title (e.g., “Tool demo: A tool for ...”). The purpose of this format is to showcase a tool or data contribution. The abstract should provide a sufficient overview of the application and relevance to the field, and describe what you will demonstrate.
RESEARCH ESCALATOR PAPERS: Research escalator papers provide an opportunity for less experienced researchers to obtain feedback from more senior scholars about a paper-in-progress, with the goal of making the paper ready for submission to a conference or journal. Those interested in the Research Escalator session should select the 'Research Escalator Extended Abstract' submission type (up to 1,000 words, excluding references) and include “Research Escalator” at the start of the title. If accepted, participants are expected to send an extended version (short paper) or full paper to the scholar(s) assigned to their paper no later than 6 weeks prior to the convention. Anyone can submit an abstract for the Research Escalator session; however, we especially encourage graduate students and/or people inexperienced with the journal publishing process to submit.
PANELS: Panel proposals require a 400-word rationale for the panel and a 150-word abstract from each panel participant. When submitting panels, include contributions from at least two different countries, feature gender balance, and include not more than one contribution from a single faculty, department or school. We encourage members to consider submitting separate conference theme panels (rather than to our division) if appropriate.
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