What is Visual Framing Research? A Systematic Overview of an Emerging Field of (Visual) Communication Research

• In Event: From a “Life Line” to a “Bridging Model” of Visual Research? Theoretical and Methodological Challenges of Visual Framing

Abstract

This systematic examination of visual framing as an emerging field of (visual) communication research originates from two theoretically informed levels: Based on a theory-based modeling of visual framing as a multi-stage process on the one hand and grounded on a meta-analytical examination of published journal articles on framing through visuals on the other hand, we present a systematic overview of the current state of visual framing research. Besides the standardized analysis of important analytical categories that could be drawn on in evaluating the state of research, we specifically aim to look beyond the surface and critically reflect contemporary shortcomings and challenges – meant as theoretically informed and empirically grounded basis of supplementary developments of this emerging field of (visual) communication research. That way, future challenges of visual framing research are discussed.

Authors

• Stephanie Geise, U of Texas

• Michael Grimm, Hans Bredow Institute for Media Research