Research data are everywhere. In our everyday interactions, through social media, credit cards and even public transport, we generate and use data. The challenge for sociologists is how to collect, analyse and make best use of these vast arrays of information.The chapters in this book address these challenges using varied perspectives and approaches:The economics of big data and measuring the trajectories of recently arrived communitiesSocial media and social researchResearching 'elites', social class and 'race' across space and placeInnovations in qualitative research and use of extended case studiesDeveloping mixed method approaches and social network analysisFeminist quantitative methodologyTeaching quantitative methodsThe book provides up to date and accessible material of interest to diverse audiences, including students and teachers of research design and methods, as well as policy analysis and social media.
