Topics in Sociological Analysis (476-0-23)

Topic

Introduction to Computational Methods in the Socia

Instructors

Doron Shiffer-Sebba
Doron Shiffer-Sebba researches wealth inequality, the family, and using video methods for studying human interactions. He uses ethnographic, statistical, and computational methods.

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 222: Mon 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

"Introduction to Computational Methods in the Social Sciences"

Social scientists use computers for every step of the research process, but seldom take advantage of their full potential. This course equips social scientists with computational principles and habits for making the research process more efficient, flexible, and reproducible. It is designed for early stage graduate students using *any* research method (statistical, ethnographic, historical comparative, etc.) with little specialized background in computational techniques. Most techniques taught in this course require substantial labor (learning, installing, and customizing) but offer exponential gains in efficiency and peace of mind over one's research career. This course aims to provide structured time for this initial adoption and the foundations necessary for pursuing advanced computational techniques.

Learning Objectives

1) Recognize fundamental computational concepts for future learning and application of computational techniques
2) Understand current debates on reproducibility to do better science
3) Develop computational problem-solving skills to overcome future challenges
4) Establish your own reproducible and efficient research pipeline for peace of mind, efficiency, and reproducibility

Teaching Method

Lecture-lab combination

Evaluation Method

Weekly assignments, final project, attendance

Class Materials (Required)

All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.