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Using Social Media Data Aggregators to Do Social Research

Author

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  • David Beer

Abstract

This article asks if it is possible to use commercial data analysis software and digital by-product data to do critical social science. In response this article introduces social media data aggregator software to a social science audience. The article explores how this particular software can be used to do social research. It uses some specific examples in order to elaborate upon the potential of the software and the type of insights it can be used to generate. The aim of the article is to show how digital by-product data can be used to see the social in alternative ways, it explores how this commercial software might enable us to find patterns amongst ‘monumentally detailed data’. As such is responds to Andrew Abbott's as yet unresolved eleven year old reflections on the crucial challenges that face the social sciences in a data rich era.

Suggested Citation

  • David Beer, 2012. "Using Social Media Data Aggregators to Do Social Research," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 17(3), pages 91-102, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:17:y:2012:i:3:p:91-102
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.2618
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    Cited by:

    1. Natalie-Anne Hall, 2022. "Understanding Brexit on Facebook: Developing Close-up, Qualitative Methodologies for Social Media Research," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 27(3), pages 707-723, September.

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