IT and Social Science

Social science is the study of human society and of individual relationships in and to society. Traditionally it includes sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history. In reality, it also increasingly manifests its significance in public health, education, law, and other fields.

Information technology is used to help researchers to collect and store data, analyze the information, and derive better understanding of society. 

For example, at the Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, we have created Dataverse Network (DVN) to provide comprehensive data depository, dissemination, analysis, and preservation services. We have also developed a Research Computing Environment (RCE) based on the computational needs of social scientists, to offer a powerful computing cluster and a user friendly interface.