Centre for Social Data Science

The Centre for Social Data Science (CSDS) advocates the use of data science methods and data-driven inquiry within the social sciences.

Aims

At the Centre for Social Data Science (CSDS), we cultivate data-intensive quantitative methods for a social-science-anchored response to the datafication and digitalisation of society. We aim to provide comprehensive and methods-focused teaching for students in the Contemporary Societies (COS) Masters Programme and engage in collaborative research projects to improve applied research methods, and propel such work into the future through suitable, robust, and ethical research infrastructure.

Methods and Applications

Social Data Science examines the methods for data-driven social sciences by integrating methods from data science with theories and concepts from the social sciences. We build strong competencies for analysing data for the government, organizations and private companies.

Applications range from questions of inequality, wellbeing, racial and ethnic relations, and diversity to what goes on in social media and digital platforms.

Our students learn both traditional statistical methods—exploratory and confirmatory—and what are often labelled as innovative approaches, such as machine learning, applications of artificial intelligence (AI), and network analysis. Beyond quantitative data, these methods can be used also to explore textual, audio, and visual materials.

Our Ethics

It is vital that we don’t forget the human underneath the data, and the importance of thoughtful deliberation of the effects of our research. For this reason, much of our projects and studies focus on inherent ethical quandaries in big data and analytical tools.

The Centre for Social Data Science supports the Faculty of Social Sciences in the use of quantitative, digital, and computational research approaches. In addition, its expertise is leveraged at the national level.

Methodological support

We host methodological consultation for researchers in the fields of humanities and social sciences. We particularly encourage researchers to consult us during the planning stages of their projects, although we can also assist with addressing specific reviewer comments or interpreting outputs.

Please note that methodological support does not replace formal training in research methods or engagement with textbooks. In some cases, our role is to guide you in the right direction rather than provide comprehensive instruction.

We are also keen in collaborations where substantive research can be supplemented with methodological reflection and development, either in the scope of a Master thesis or even on research projects.

Infrastructures

We are involved in the infrastructure development for social sciences and humanities through DARIAH-FI , please see tools produced by the infrastucture for more details.

We coordinate access to Statistics Finland remote access system (FIONA) on behalf of the faculty, for more details see intranet .

Expertise

• Maria Valaste servers in the steering committee for University of Helsinki Citizen Barometer .
• Maria Valaste servers in the advisory board of Finnish Social Data Archive .

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