Introduction to Social Science Computing 1 Quiz

Course Information

• Course Title: Applications of Social Science Computing in Modern Information Societies 1
• Course Subject: Introduction to Social Science Computing (SSC)
• Location of the course lectures: The Department of Socio-computing
• Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00-12:00 (Staff Room 2, same building)
• Important notes: Lecture materials are on Thinqi. Do not use previous terms' materials. Emails are responded to only for urgent issues; otherwise contact during lectures or office hours. Attendance to both lectures and sections are crucial, there will be pop-up quizzes in both.
• Course material: Main material is the lecture notes, lab notes and textbooks.

Course Outline

• Social Science Computing (SSC):
  • Types of models
  • SSC new computational models
• Course objective and content

Types of Models

• Conceptual model:

  • Diagram Template (Astin's IEO Model) to show input, environment, outcome
  • Examples: A conceptual model of the water cycle

• Mathematical model:

  • Description of a system using mathematical concepts and language
  • Example: The calculation of the distance traveled by a dog running between two cars traveling at different speeds.

• Physical model:

  • Small- Scale or large copy of an object
  • Example: Atom, Solar System, Building

• Computational model:

  • Application of computers to advance social sciences
  • Example: Social simulation (System Dynamics Models, Queueing Models, Agent-Based Models).

Social Sciences Computing: New Computational Models

• Social data science

  • Uses programming skills and statistical tools to work with social data

• Social simulation

  • Apply computer methods to replicate human social behavior in various environments and scenarios
  • Researchers model social situations and observe resulting individual behavior

• Social Networks Analysis (SNA)

  • Measuring relationships and flows between people, groups, computers, and connected entities
  • Nodes are people and groups, links show relationships or flows

• Management Information System (MIS)

  • Computer-based system for managers to efficiently manage departments within an organization.

Why Computational Analysis in Social Sciences?

• Social phenomena are complex and difficult to predict/treat using traditional methods of analysis.

• Complex social phenomena have multidirectional connections within a system and between a system and its environment.

• Phenomena, behaviours, and cultural features have an accelerated diffusion.

• Computational social sciences enable handling complex phenomena and inventing models that reflect diversity and complexity of society.

Course Objectives and Content

• Introductory course to introduce information systems
• Addressing main concepts of computer and information systems.
• Topics to be covering:
  • Introduction to Social Science Computing.
  • Introduction to Information Systems
  • Information Technology Concepts: Hardware, Mobile Devices, Software, Mobile Applications, Databases Systems, Big Data, Networks and Cloud Computing
  • Specialized Information Systems: Electronic & Mobile Commerce, Electronic Governance

Grading

• Final term exam: 50 marks
• Mid term exam: 20 marks
• Classwork: 30 marks (Lab quizzes, lecture quizzes, pop-up quizzes, attendance)
• Lecture quizzes: 15 marks
• Attendance: 5 marks (through pop-up quizzes in both lectures and labs

Test your understanding of the fundamental concepts of Social Science Computing with this quiz. Explore various types of models and their applications within modern information societies. Be prepared to engage with new computational models and how they shape social science.