About computational social sciences
Computational social science is an area of research that aims to analyze sociocultural phenomena based on new types of data using new digital technologies. The issues addressed within computational social science are all the more meaningful because technological advances have generated an unprecedented amount of digital data that can be used to study traditional social science topics such as democracy, prejudice, misinformation, security, economic growth and social inequality. Computational Social Sciences make it possible to undertake entirely new lines of research and develop existing disciplines using new methods. They thus operate at the intersection of social science and data science.
Methodologically, computational social science combines statistics, data science, machine learning and computer science. Computational social sciences are now having a significant impact on empirical research, primarily through big data analyses and, in particular, studies of the digital footprints left by online social activities. They also significantly impact scientific theory, especially by building simulation models of social phenomena.
About the department
The goal of the department is to develop and provide methods and tools for the social sciences to analyze digital behavioural data (produced in interactions with computers, phones and other devices) and to combine digital with traditional types of survey data to improve the analysis of a wide range of sociocultural phenomena. The department addresses these tasks using machine learning, natural language processing, network analysis, psychometrics and statistical modelling, combining various research and statistical techniques with social science expertise.
The department engages in purely sociological research and multidisciplinary projects, applying the developed methods to various data types. It pays particular attention to the implementation nature of research, which can positively influence the socio-economic development of our country.
About the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology
The department was established in January 2023 within the structures of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw (IFiS PAN). The primary objective of the Institute is to conduct advanced research in the field of philosophy and sociology as well as cognition and communication sciences. In addition to research work, the Institute conducts educational and publishing activities. At the same time, it undertakes activities popularizing science. More information about the Institute can be found on its official website.