Mapping the Terrain: A Systematic Review of Drama Research Using Data Mining

Drama is a mode of storytelling that has transcended from traditional to online media. This study aimed to determine salient topics and trends in drama research through data mining of peer-reviewed English articles in Web of Science and Scopus. By employing the keywords "television drama," "online drama," "drama series," "web drama," and "soap opera," 2,148 articles were identified. Analysis revealed 25 distinct research topics: evolution, issues and analysis, impact, audience, and institutionalization. Prominent topics included "power and politics," "viewership and engagement," and "gender and sexuality," while less-published topics encompassed "elements and structure," "impact on culture," and "drama characterization." Notably, publication rates for all topics exhibited a significant increase since 1970. These findings underscore the need for continuous research updates across various categories to advance understanding of the interplay between society and dramas. The methodology employed can also guide future trend analyses in specific drama research topics. This paper maps the terrain of drama research, referring to scholarly work focusing on television and online dramas through a systematic review using data mining techniques. We chose drama as our unit of analysis because we are interested in how this medium pervades and reflects daily life and society. Further, in this golden age of information and globalization, the social impact of media cannot be denied. Moreover, drama cuts across academic disciplines, making it vital in enriching our knowledge of society. Through data mining techniques, we analyzed drama research topics and trends spanning decades. Analysis revealed 25 distinct research topics: evolution, issues and analysis, impact, audience, and institutionalization. Prominent topics included "power and politics," "viewership and engagement," and "gender and sexuality," while less-published topics encompassed "elements and structure," "impact on culture," and "drama characterization." Notably, publication rates for all topics exhibited a significant increase since 1970. Through the techniques we used, we were able to offer baseline information that may be used by other scholars on drama-related areas or topics for further discussion, analysis, and engagement across various disciplines. In addition, our data mining methods may serve as a guide for other research.