Introduction to Social Science Computing

Lecture 1: Introduction to Social Science Computing (SSC)

• Social science computing (SSC) combines social sciences and computational methods.
• Social sciences study societies, individual behavior, and interactions within them.
• Examples of social sciences are Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology.
• Computational science involves using computational methods to study complex phenomena.
• This methodology applies computational and numerical techniques to solve complex problems.
• Computational science builds models or representations of systems.
• Using general rules and concepts, these models help understand, predict, and prepare for changes.
• Computer science deals with the technical aspects of computer systems, including hardware and software.
• SSC is an interdisciplinary field, intersecting social sciences and computational science.
• The diagram on page 9 shows this intersection.

Types of Models

• A conceptual model represents a system through concepts.
• Conceptual models help understand, explain, or simulate related topics.
• Examples include models for various systems, such as the water cycle (page 11) or the phases of human life (exercise on page 12).
• Mathematical models describe systems using mathematical concepts.

Types of models

• Physical models are smaller or larger versions of actual objects.
• Examples include an atom model or a Solar System model.

Types of Computational models

• Computational models use computer programs to model and simulate real-world scenarios.
• Examples include simulating changes to a city or country's development (page 15).

Hierarchy of Information

• Data are unorganized and unprocessed facts.
• Information is processed data, aiding decision making.
• Knowledge is understanding gleaned from study, experience, and thinking.
• Wisdom involves selecting the right information for the right time and purpose.
• Examples of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom are given on page 25 in relation to shoe sizes.

Information Society

• Information society is a society where information is the defining feature.
• This is a transition from an industrial society relying on machines and power for progress.
• Expansion of information and networks marks the information society.
• Information technologies (ICT), like the internet, cell phones, computers, software, and video conferencing, are driving the information society's development.
• Components of ICT include internet access, cloud computing, software, hardware, communications technology, and transactions. (page 31).
• Developed and developing countries are using ICT to improve competitiveness.
• To understand the information society, one must comprehend the methods and impact of information flow.

Knowledge Society

• Knowledge society is a stage of socio-economic development where transferring knowledge is foremost.
• In order to be a knowledge-based society, this has to follow an information society.
• Individuals in a knowledge society not only perceive but must handle and critically analyze information.
• Producing knowledge requires more specific training and other forms of transmission.
• A digital divide, or unequal access to digital technologies, is an obstacle to genuine knowledge societies.
• Necessary skills for societies to transform from information-based entities into knowledge-based entities are outlined in details.
• The elite, middle class, and individuals with specific knowledge (page 37) are details relating to people and skills necessary for these transformations.

Main impacts of information availability on societies.

• Technological innovations leading to a new information society.
• Growth in economic activity associated with information (page 40).
• Shift from manual labour to information work (page 41).
• Managing space differently due to new technologies (page 42).
• Changes to morals, taste, and decisions, owing to the use of new media and massive informational content (page 43).