UC Davis Statistical Sciences Symposium 2015

Network Data : Information and Sciences

UC Davis Statistical Sciences Symposium 2015: Network Data : Information and Sciences

Title:  Curses  and  Blessings  of  an (almost)  Data-Complete  Science:  Big  Data  and  the  Social  Sciences

Abstract: Big Data has turned the social sciences from a traditionally data-poor science into arguably the most data-complete science to date  – and this basically “overnight”. With  over 99% of all of human kinds’ technologically mediated information in digital format, and  a mobile penetration of 98% worldwide, the digitalization of human interaction produces  an  impressively  detailed  digit al  footprint  of  everything  that’s  relevant  for  the  social  sciences.  Each  and  every  digital  communication  inevitably  leaves  a  trace  that  can  be  analyzed to better understand and influence social conduct. This renders many traditional  survey   and   data   collect ion   and   production   processes   obsolete.   While   creating  unprecedented opportunities for private actors and lots of low hanging fruits for academic  research, it also creates challenges that call for a profound paradigm shift in our relation  to data.

 

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