This book explains how artificial intelligence is reshaping social inquiry, from data collection and research design through analysis, interpretation, and theory-building. The volume offers a clear route into machine learning, natural language processing, simulation, and generative AI for social researchers.
AI in Social Sciences Research explains how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping social inquiry, from data collection and research design through analysis, interpretation, and theory-building. Treating AI as both a tool kit and a methodological shift, the volume offers a clear route into machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), simulation, and generative AI (GAI) for social researchers while keeping ethics, bias, transparency, and interpretability in view.
Key features include:
· Practical guidance on integrating AI into social science research workflows without losing theoretical and contextual judgement
· Coverage of core techniques, including ML for prediction and pattern discovery and NLP for large-scale textual and qualitative data
· Discussion of explainability and “black-box” risks, with approaches for interpretability and responsible use
· Cross-disciplinary examples spanning sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, economics, and management
· A critical account of research integrity issues: data quality, bias, privacy, accountability, and the limits of automation
Designed for postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and instructors teaching digital and computational social science (CSS) methods, the book supports readers who want to use AI with methodological care, not just technical speed.
Introduction,
1. Introduction AI and the Evolving Landscape of Social
Science Research,
2. Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics in Social
Sciences,
3. Natural Language Processing for Qualitative and Textual Data,
4.
AI-Enhanced Research Design and Data Collection,
5. AI in Management and
Business Research,
6. Psychology: AI-Assisted Paths to Mind and Behavior,
7.
Anthropology Digital Ethnography and Algorithmic Thick Description,
8.
Sociology: Algorithmic Sociology and the MacroMicro Bridge,
9. Conclusion,
10. References
ukasz Sukowski is a professor of economic sciences and humanities specializing in higher education management, social science methodology, HRM, and organizational culture, and serves as President of WSB University.
Marcin Lis is Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and External Relations at WSB University and holds a PhD in engineering, his research interests include quality systems, innovation project management, and integrated management systems, with a particular focus on science business collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Sabina Ratajczak is Vice-Rector for Development at WSB University, specializing in educational technologies and education management, with a particular focus on the integration of innovative digital tools into teaching and learning processes.
Zdzisawa Dacko-Pikiewicz is the Rector of WSB University and holds a habilitation in management and quality sciences, her research spans reputation management, innovation, family business, competence development, and sustainability, with particular relevance to debates on organisational resilience, competitiveness, and knowledge transfer.
