CFP: Critical Data Studies Track for 4S/EASST Conference 2016

ARTSTOR_103_41822001641248CSTMS affiliates and collaborators are organizing a thematic track on Critical Data Studies for the 4s/EASST Conference BCN-2106 Science + technology by other means: Exploring collectives, spaces and futures in Barcelona, August 31 – September 3, 2016.

We invite papers investigating data­ driven techniques in academic research and analytic industries and the consequences of implementing data­ driven products and processes. Papers utilizing computational methods or ethnography with theorization of technology, social power, or politics are encouraged.

This call invites not just traditional papers based on up-front power-point presentations but it also encourages the proposal of alternative forms of communication and interaction: new ways and new media for presenting, sharing, producing and disseminating research projects and outcomes.

 

Propose a paper

Deadline for the submission of abstracts to open tracks: February 21st 2016

Conveners

Charlotte Cabasse Mazel (UC-Berkeley)
Brittany Fiore-Gartland (University of Washington)
Gretchen Gano (UC-Berkeley)
Stuart Geiger (UC-Berkeley)
Massimo Mazzotti (UC-Berkeley)
Laura Noren (New York University)

Please contact Gretchen Gano with questions about submissions.

Full Abstract

Computational methods with large datasets are becoming more common across disciplines in academia (including social sciences) and analytic industries, but the sprawling and ambiguous boundaries of “big data” makes it difficult to research. In this track we investigate the relationship between theories, instruments, methods and practices in data science research and implementation. How are such practices transforming the processes of knowledge creation and validation, as well as our understanding of empiricism and the scientific method?

Beyond case studies, we invite connective explorations of emerging theory, machinery, methods, and practices. Papers may examine data collection instruments, software, inscription devices, packages, algorithms and their interaction in sociotechnical systems used to produce, analyse, share, and validate knowledge. Looking at the way these knowledges are objectified, classified, imagined and contested, the aim is to reflect critically on the maturing practices of quantification and their historical, social, cultural, political, ideological, economical, scientific and ecological impacts.

We welcome papers tackling a variety of questions and cases studies such as:

*What does it mean to study quantification (including big data) as myth, narrative, ideology, discourse, and power?

*How is instrumentation is being used to connect  data and theory?

*How well do we understand which domains are being reshaped by these techniques, and what are the consequences of their adoption in those domains and beyond? Is data science linking up to domains that have previously been distinct or dividing fields that had been unified?

*In which ways do these approaches contribute to longstanding concepts and questions within computer science?

Proposal Instructions:

Propose a paper

Deadline for the submission of abstracts to open tracks: February 21st 2016

Paper proposals should include: a paper title (no more than 10 words); author/co-authors; a short abstract (maximum 300 characters including spaces) and a long one (up to 250 words). The long abstract will be shown on the web and the short one is what will be displayed in the conference programme.

Abstracts should make reference to the paper object, main related arguments, methodology, and contribution to the STS literature. A specific mention to paper’s relation to track’s themes and topic is required. Please, do mention, if any special technical requirement will be needed.

We remind that all papers should be submitted in International English. Conversation and debates in other languages during the conference will be welcomed too.

Once a proposal is submitted, the proposing author (not co-authors) will receive an automatic email confirming receipt. If you do not receive this email, please, first check the Login environment to see if your proposal is there. If it is, it simply means your confirmation email has been classed as spam or otherwise lost; if it is not, please proceed to re-submit your proposal, as it may mean that, for some reason, the process was not completed.