Pathways Between Social Science and Computational Social Science: Theories, Methods, and Interpretations

This volume demonstrates that the emergence of computational social science (CSS) is an endogenous response to social science problems, with new theoretical models and approaches derived from social science theories, methodological advances facilitated by CSS-related techniques, and contributions to traditional social science topics. It is intended for researchers with a traditional social science background, experts in CSS seeking substantive links to more traditional social science theories, methods, and topics, and students working in both fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume demonstrates that the emergence of computational social science (CSS) is an endogenous response to pressing issues within the social sciences, rather than an external influence. The book is divided into three distinct sections, each exploring different pathways through which CSS has evolved and interacted with established research frameworks.

In the first part, the authors showcase how new theoretical models and approaches that underpin CSS research emerge from the foundations of social science theories. By drawing upon these theoretical frameworks, researchers in CSS are able to develop innovative and cutting-edge methods for analyzing complex social phenomena.

The second section delves into methodological advancements facilitated by CSS-related techniques. The authors discuss how CSS tools and methodologies have revolutionized the way social scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data. They explore various approaches, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and big data analysis, that have enabled researchers to uncover previously hidden patterns and insights in social data.

The third part of the volume highlights the contributions of CSS to traditional social science topics. By integrating computational methods and analytical frameworks into the study of social phenomena, CSS provides a fresh perspective and offers new insights into established theories and frameworks. The authors demonstrate how CSS can be used to address complex social problems, such as understanding social networks, predicting social behavior, and analyzing social inequality.

The intended audience for this volume includes researchers with a traditional social science background who are interested in exploring CSS. It also caters to experts in CSS who are seeking substantive connections to more traditional social science theories, methods, and topics. Finally, the book is an invaluable resource for students who are studying both fields, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to CSS and its applications.

In conclusion, this volume serves as a valuable contribution to the field of computational social science. It demonstrates the endogenous nature of CSS and its ability to address pressing social science problems through innovative theoretical models, methodological advancements, and interdisciplinary collaborations. By providing a comprehensive overview of CSS's development and applications, the book encourages researchers and students to embrace the power of computational methods in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the social world.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030549350
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021