What Can "Big Data" Methods Offer Human Services Research on Organizations and Communities?. Issue 4 (8th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santiago, Anna Maria; Smith, Richard J.
• Is Part Of: Human service organizations, management, leadership & governance. Volume 43:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2019-08-08
• Subjects: Big Data -- human service organizations -- community development -- data science; Social service -- Periodicals; Social work administration -- Periodicals; 361.3068
• DOI: 10.1080/23303131.2019.1674756
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2330-3131

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this commentary, we examine the role that human services professionals might play in the use of Big Data and data science applications that promise to reshape human service organizations and community development activities. We identify what Big Data are and describe the kinds of research that can emanate from Big Data and the use of data science to address contemporary social problems and questions confronting human service organizations and communities. We then discuss existing challenges with the use of Big Data within organizations and communities. We conclude with a discussion of how the larger profession and social work education, specifically, are influenced by the emergence of Big Data and data science techniques.