Open Data Analysis in Social and Political Science

Description

As a group of experts in theory-driven empirical research in social and political science, members work on understanding how politics and society function, and using this understanding to help improve public life.

The group works on a wide range of topics using these methodologies, including institutional analysis, policy analysis, the dynamics of political alliances, the impact of prompts on social and political behaviour, trust between groups, longitudinal analysis, spatial analysis, and the analysis of elections and election campaigns.

Empirical research, using a range of sophisticated methods is vital for the detailed understanding of political and social change. But, with developments in empirical research come important questions, such as data ethics, open data, data collection, and data management. The wide range of expertise in this groups promotes detailed discussion of these key questions and of methodological techniques, generating greater shared knowledge and understanding, and development of best practice.

Open Data Analysis in Social and Political Science is about using quantitative and qualitative data to better understand how political and society functions, and using this understanding to help improve public life. Members have research strengths in a wide range of techniques, including: individual-level survey analysis, aggregate-level analysis, survey and fieldwork experiments and qualitative techniques in social and political enquiry.

Members work on a wide range of topics using these methodologies, including public opinion, the dynamics of political alliances, the impact of prompts on social and political behaviour, trust between groups, the effects of initiatives like volunteering on subsequent political attitudes, and the analysis of elections and election campaigns.

The group runs:

• A seminar series designed to address key issues in empirical research in social and political science.
• A series of methods masterclasses to enhance the skills not only of research group members, but also other University colleagues
• A peer review college to assist group members prior to submission of papers and grant applications.

The group's research is used by governments, parliaments, political parties, civil servants, regulators, volunteer groups, local authorities, journalists and many more. The rigorous application of empirical methods ensure that the group's research is a reliable resource for a wide range of users.

The group has worked with a range of partners around the world. This has led to joint research both with other Universities as well as government, parliaments, political parties, regulators, local authorities and volunteer organisations.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University affiliation(s)

Brunel University, Uxbridge and London
Uxbridge

Partner Infrastructures

Brunel Public Policy Unit

Brunel Public Policy Unit uses Brunel's world-leading research to help inform policy-makers, legislators and regulators. This is done in a variety of ways: Drafting and promoting policy briefs, and i… read more about Brunel Public Policy Unit

Uxbridge