Social Science Internet Studies @ ANU

The World Wide Web is only around 20 years old, but it has transformed the way we work, collaborate, engage in commerce, participate in politics and interact socially. Internet data are increasingly being used for empirical research into social, economic and political behaviour. By undertaking the Master of Social Research (Social Science of the Internet) at the Australian National University, students will gain a thorough understanding of the relevant theory and methods for empirical social science Internet research. In particular, students will learn about:

• The fundamental changes to society, politics and the economy brought about by the Web
• Social science concepts and methods for understanding life in the Internet Age
• Online research methods for collecting and analysing Internet data.

Why is the MSR (Social Science of the Internet) different?

The focus on social science (economics, political science and sociology) and quantitative research methods is what distinguishes the ANU’s Master of Social Research (Social Science of the Internet), which was launched in 2008 and is the first of its kind in the world. Courses elsewhere typically have a media or cultural studies perspective, or else emphasise the governance of the Internet.

About the MSR (Social Science of the Internet)

The Master of Social Research (Social Science of the Internet) is one of four specialisations offered in the Master of Social Research. It can be completed in one year of full-time study (part-time students are also welcome), and consists of 8 courses:

• Statistics for Social Scientists, Social Research Design, Social Research Practice. These courses are compulsory for the MSR.
• Social Science of the Internet, Online Research Methods. Non-award enrolment in these courses is also possible. They are taught using flexible-learning technologies, and people living outside of Canberra are encouraged to apply.
• Three electives (one of which must be an MSR course).

Social Science of the Internet looks at the theoretical and empirical contribution of economics, political science and sociology to understanding life in the ‘Age of the Network’. There is emphasis on social and organisational networking online, and quantitative analysis of survey and digital trace data (eg blog/social network service/web/email data). Topics include:

• The impact of the Internet on civic and political engagement
• The Web and the role of government as a provider of services and information
• Distributed models of production and collaboration (eg open source software development)
• Online collective action and social movements
• The Web and social inclusion

Online Research Methods provides training in online research methods for social science Internet research, focusing on both ‘obtrusive’ social research methods (eg online surveys and focus groups) and unobstrusive research using Internet trace data (eg emails, websites, blogsites and social networking sites such as Facebook). Topics include:

• Designing and implementing an online research project
• Available tools and data for online research
• Ethical implications of various online research methods
  

Online network of an environmental
activist organisation
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