What does the phenomenon of Internet memes represent? Are they merely viral jokes on the Internet or a complex system that can exert considerable influence on individuals and the society? Researchers attach importance to this topic, and the body of research on Internet memes is growing. But what types of memes are investigated, and with what approaches? And what insights did researchers generate? In summary, this overarching question arises:
What is the current state of the body of research on Internet memes?
The study described in the following report aims at answering this question by conducting a literature review. This approach will be beneficial, since “an effective review creates a firm foundation for advancing knowledge. It facilitates theory development, closes areas where a plethora of research exists, and uncovers areas where research is needed” (Webster & Watson, 2002). To the knowledge of the author, no literature review was applied on the body of research on Internet memes so far. By closing this gap in research, this study will provide valuable insights for future research on Internet memes.
First, the research report will outline the emergence and the present understanding of the term ‘meme’ and establish the subordinate research questions which will guide the analysis. Next, the methodological procedure will be elucidated comprehensively. After describing the data collection and analysis procedure, the report illustrates the results of the examination. Then the findings are summarized and discussed with regard to the overarching research question. Finally, this report concludes with proposals for future research projects on the phenomenon of Internet memes.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Understanding Internet Memes
- 3. Methods
- 3.1 Sample and data collection
- 3.2 Coding procedure
- 4. Results
- 4.1 Which kinds of Internet memes are examined over time?
- 4.2 To what extent does research examine (a) content-related, (b) process-related, and (c) diffusion-related aspects of Internet memes?
- 4.3 In which theoretical contexts does research examine Internet memes?
- 4.4 Which designs and methods does research apply to examine Internet memes?
- 4.5 Which analytical strategies does research apply to analyse meme-related data?
- 4.6 How has the knowledge construction of Internet meme research developed?
- 5. Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research report aims to comprehensively review the existing body of research on internet memes, addressing the current state of knowledge in the field. A literature review methodology was employed to address the gap in existing systematic overviews. The study seeks to clarify the types of memes investigated, the approaches used, and the insights generated to date.
- The evolution and current understanding of the term "meme."
- The various types of internet memes examined in existing research.
- The different theoretical frameworks utilized to analyze internet memes.
- The methodologies and analytical strategies employed in internet meme research.
- The development of knowledge construction within the field of internet meme research.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central research question: What is the current state of research on internet memes? It highlights the growing body of research on this topic and the need for a systematic review to synthesize existing findings and identify gaps. The chapter outlines the report's structure, which includes a detailed explanation of the methodology, presentation of results, and a discussion of their implications for future research.
2. Understanding Internet Memes: This chapter explores the concept of "meme," tracing its origins from Richard Dawkins' evolutionary biology concept to its contemporary interpretation in the digital realm. It critically analyzes various definitions of internet memes, highlighting the evolution of the term and its diverse interpretations within the research community. The chapter examines different perspectives, from simplified characterizations as "faddish jokes" to more nuanced views that incorporate Dawkins' evolutionary framework and consider content, form, and stance. This lays the groundwork for the subsequent analysis of the research literature by establishing a working definition and highlighting the complexities of the concept.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Internet memes, memetics, digital culture, online communication, participatory culture, qualitative research, quantitative research, literature review, systematic review, content analysis, diffusion, social media, viral content.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this research report?
This research report provides a comprehensive review of the existing body of research on internet memes. It aims to systematically analyze the current state of knowledge in the field, clarifying the types of memes studied, the methodologies employed, and the key insights generated.
What are the objectives of this research report?
The primary objective is to provide a systematic overview of internet meme research. This includes examining the evolution of the term "meme," the various types of internet memes studied, the theoretical frameworks used, the methodologies employed, and the overall development of knowledge within this field. It addresses a gap in existing literature by offering a comprehensive synthesis of previous findings.
What is the methodology used in this research report?
The report uses a literature review methodology. This involves a systematic examination of existing publications on internet memes to synthesize findings and identify gaps in the current body of research.
What are the key themes explored in this report?
Key themes include the evolution and understanding of the term "meme," the different types of internet memes examined in research, the theoretical frameworks used for analysis, the methodologies and analytical strategies applied, and the development of knowledge construction in the field of internet meme research.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Establishes the central research question and the need for a systematic review of internet meme research. Chapter 2 (Understanding Internet Memes): Explores the concept of "meme," tracing its origins and critically analyzing various definitions. Chapter 3 (Methods): Details the methods used for the literature review. Chapter 4 (Results): Presents the findings of the literature review, organized around several key aspects of the research landscape. Chapter 5 (Discussion): Discusses the implications of the findings.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Internet memes, memetics, digital culture, online communication, participatory culture, qualitative research, quantitative research, literature review, systematic review, content analysis, diffusion, social media, viral content.
What types of internet memes are discussed?
The report examines a wide range of internet meme types, although the specific types are not explicitly listed in the preview. The focus is on the research conducted on various meme types rather than a catalog of the memes themselves.
What types of research methodologies are discussed?
The report analyzes various research methodologies applied to the study of internet memes, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Examples include content analysis and studies examining diffusion patterns.
What theoretical frameworks are considered?
The report examines various theoretical frameworks used to analyze internet memes, though specific frameworks aren't detailed in this preview. The report aims to identify and categorize these different theoretical lenses.
What is the overall contribution of this research report?
This report contributes to the field by providing a much-needed systematic review of internet meme research. It synthesizes existing knowledge, identifies gaps in the research, and helps to establish a clearer understanding of this rapidly evolving area of study.
- Quote paper
- Hanna Schneider (Author), 2021, One does not simply summarize previous studies. A systematic review of research on internet memes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1327975