Logo image
Open Research University homepage
Surrey researchers Sign in
Grid computing and qualitative social science
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Grid computing and qualitative social science

Social Science Computer Review, Vol.26(3), pp.301-316
01/09/2008

Abstract

Science & Technology Social Sciences Technology Computer Science Interdisciplinary Applications Information Science & Library Science Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Computer Science Social Sciences - Other Topics qualitative methodology qualitative computing grid computing and social research cyber-research in social science
Qualitative research is increasingly important in policy-related and applied work, as well as in academic work. Grid and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies promise significant potential returns for qualitative researchers. Tagged cyber-research in the United States and e-social science in the United Kingdom (and e-research in general), the application of HPC technologies can enhance the scope, depth, and rigor of qualitative inquiry by enabling new data-handling capacities and analytic procedures; new support for work with colleagues based elsewhere; and new facilities to archive, curate, and exploit the many kinds of data that qualitative researchers use. From these resources flow new challenges to conventions of privacy and research ethics, data integrity and data protection, and the relations between scientific communities and society. Based on a survey, individual interviews, and group discussions, involving qualitative researchers and computer scientists, this article scans existing applications of grid and HPC technologies to qualitative research; indicates potential applications; and identifies associated ethical, practical, and technological challenges.
url
http://ssc.sagepub.com/content/26/3.tocView

Metrics

Details

Logo image

Usage Policy