The Emergence of Quantitative Studies. Actual Functionalities and the Romanian Case

Abstract

The aim of this essay is to examine the evolution of quantitative studies and the changes that occurred within their usage, portraying the international case as well as debating upon the existence and the relevance of a Romanian case. Given the fact that quantitative studies have become increasingly visible in literary studies during the last decades, due to various influences such as Franco Moretti’s theoretical branch or Matthew L. Jockers’ macroanalysis and its appropriation in digital humanities, a pertinent study on this methodology is necessary because: 1) it can contribute to a better understanding of the role it has had in this domain and 2) it can bring better insight into its possible use in our country. For these reasons, this essay is seeking to present a history of the quantitative methodological approach as applied on macro scales (therefore, the main domains discussed in this essay are the sociology of literature and digital humanities) and to describe the ways it has influenced or may further influence the study of literature in Romania.

Keywords

• quantitative studies
• macroanalysis
• distant reading
• statistical analysis