Mapping the Changing Landscape of Child-Computer Interaction Research Through Correlated Topic Modelling

As the field of child-computer interaction (CCI) develops and forms an increasingly distinct identity, there is a need for reflection upon the state of the field, and its development thus far. This paper provides an overview of the thematic structure of the CCI field in order to support such reflection, expanding upon previous reviews through implementation of a correlated topic model, an automated, inductive content analysis method, in analysing 4,771 CCI research papers published between 2003 and 2021. Prominence of research topics, and their evolution, are explored. Results portray CCI as a vibrant and varied research landscape which has evolved dynamically over time, exhibiting increasing specialisation and emergence of distinct subfields, and progressing from a technology-to needs-driven agenda. This analysis contributes an extensive empirical mapping of the CCI research landscape, facilitating reflection upon the field and its development, and revealing gaps in extant literature and opportunities for future research.