Dennis Friess, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf
Prof. Dr. Christiane Eilders, University of Düsseldorf
This article proposes an empirical model for the analysis of online deliberation. While most em-pirical studies exclusively focus on measuring the degree of deliberativeness in a given text, this paper adopts a more comprehensive perspective on online deliberation by considering the condi-tions and outcomes of deliberation in addition to the measurement of deliberativeness. The em-pirical model of online deliberation draws on existing theoretical and empirical work. It includes assumptions on three levels: the conditions fostering deliberation (institutional input level), the parameters of the communication process itself (communicative throughput level) and the ex-pected benefits of deliberation (productive outcome level). Every level addressed in the model is both rooted in deliberative theory and complemented by empirical findings. For every level a set of empirical dimensions is developed accordingly. The model is intended to serve as a framework for experimental research investigating relationships between input, throughput and outcome of deliberation.
