Big data in sociological research - Einzelansicht

Large-scale or ``big'' data is rapidly traxnsforming many areas of government, businesses, education and science. They allow us not only to re-visit ``old'' questions related to social inequalities but also to study new forms and aspects of inequalities. This course therefore explores how ``big data'' and data science transform social stratification research. We will discuss transformative contributions to classical sociological questions based on the ``new'' science of networks, web-based social research, administrative data, and the traces of our digital lives. We will explore the challenges facing social sciences and consider ethical and privacy concerns raised by ``big'' data and analytics. The class combines short lectures, discussions, and reverse class room activities to familiarize students with the statistical software package R. Some parts of the class will be taught as a block seminar and coordinated with the SICSS-Berlin (July 3-7, 2023). 

Salganik, M. J. (2017). Bit by Bit: Social Research in the Digital Age, open review edition edn.,
Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press; available online for free at https://www.bitbybitbook.com/en/1st-ed/preface/

Please note that some sessions will be blocked (July 3-7, 2023)