Synergy of social research, statistical analysis and new technologies – new posibilities and applications

Abstract

New technologies consistently and inevitably changing our reality. It also occurs due to increasing quantities of generated data and its new types. A large part of that data is a valuable product, suitable for use in analytical and research projects. Especially Internet technologies have great potential conducive to the development of social research. There are also developing widely available statistical and analytical tools. The problem that remains is the lack of highly qualified and interdisciplinary educated analysts and researchers. This applies particularly to those who freely combine IT and programming competences with analytical and statistical skills and with a deep, humanistic understanding of social problems. However, there are already examples of successful combination of new technology and statistical methods in the service of social studies, that have a huge potential in providing key data for the purpose of conducting innovative research and development of evidence-based policies.