Research Coalitions
Steps are currently being taken to identify small groups of 3-8 researchers concerned with specific topics in empirical studies of literature (e.g., literary reading and social cognition, shared literary reading). Identifying such coalitions entails (1) preparation (and periodic revision) of print and online publications about each research topic (a reference book, an online handbook); (2) preparation (and periodic revision) of materials for workshops or training schools that support professional development in empirical studies of literature; and (3) supporting the organization of activities that facilitate interaction among members of these coalitions (e.g., conference symposia, workshops, special issues) and increase their online visibility (e.g., web pages dedicated to each research topic).
Man Reading (Monanteuil)
Several research coalitions are currently active, i.e., coalition coordinators have Identified small numbers of investigators whose published empirical work addresses a specific coalition research topic. Also, members of these coalitions are preparing book chapters that review empirical studies concerning a specific coalition research topic.
One research group has recently submitted a coalition proposal. While very few empirical studies have been completed in these areas, they are coalitions "to watch" as projects currently underway reach published fruition.
These Active and Emerging Research Coalitions are listed below and in a table that provides an overview of this structure. Each coalition has a separate website (maintained by the society) that that provides additional information about coalition coordinators, coalition members (and their publications), and relevant research resources.
Active Research Coalitions
Modes of Textual Representation
- Effects of Foregrounding (e.g., Deviation, Defamiliarization)
- Prosodic and Phonological Effects in Literary Texts
- Contextual Meaning-making in Reading: The Role of Affect
- Empirical Approaches to Poetic Metaphor
- Computational Stylistics
Modes of Reading Engagement
- Embodied Reading (Simulation, Imagery)
- Constructing Inferences (Situation Models)
- Absorption (Transportation, Immersion)
- Culture, Cognition, and Literary Comprehension
Aesthetic and Expressive Effects
- Self-Transcendent Effects of Digital Media (e.g., Film)
- Openness and Self-altering Literary Reading
- Poetry Writing Research
Reading Outcomes (Social Cognition)
- Narrative Fiction and Social Cognition
- Absorption (e.g., Transportation) and Attitude Change
- Character Engagement (e.g., Identification) and Social Cognition
- Child Development and Reading for Pleasure
Reading Outcomes (Mental and Social Well-Being)
History, Theory, and Method
Emerging Research Coalitions
Areas "to watch"
Submitting a Coalition Proposal
The IGEL Board will entertain proposals for the formation of Research Coalitions involving small groups of investigators with records of accomplishment in specific research areas. If you are interested in coordinating such a coalition, consider completing the Research Coalition Proposal (see below) and submitting it to Don Kuiken (IGEL President) who, in turn, will present it to the Board for consideration.
Steps_Toward Coaltion_Identification.docx